The American-born pontiff, a Chicago native, speaks Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese. He also reads Latin and German.
He speaks Spanish like a native - The story behind Pope Leo XIV's language skills
Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost (Chicago, Illinois, Sep. 14, 1955), is visiting Spain this week. The Pope will make stops in Madrid, Barcelona and the Canary Islands and won’t have any problem speaking Spanish.
His path to the papacy was shaped by a blend of pastoral work and high-level administrative duties, making him one of the leading contenders to succeed Pope Francis. With his appointment, he becomes the first American Pope in history, and the fourth pontiff of the 21st century, following John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis.
Prior to his election, he served as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, roles he had held since January 2023.
Academic background and languages
After graduating from high school in 1973, Prevost earned a degree in Mathematical Sciences from Villanova University, a private Catholic institution affiliated with the Order of St. Augustine, located just outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
He went on to receive a Master of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, followed by a licentiate and doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. This rigorous academic training has been key to his rise within the Church’s leadership ranks.
Prevost is a polyglot who speaks English, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. He also reads Latin and German. His fluency in Spanish, in particular, has helped him forge strong bonds with Latin American communities over decades of ministry and mission work.
Mission in Peru and leadership in the Order of St. Augustine
The Pope’s first assignment took him to the mission of Chulucanas in the northern region of Piura, Peru, where he served as parochial vicar of the cathedral and chancellor of the Territorial Prelature. During his years in Peru, Prevost focused not only on evangelization but also on training new priests.
He returned to Peru in 1988 after a short period back in the U.S., where he worked as vocations and missions director for the Augustinian Province of Chicago. His bond with the country became so strong that in 2015 he acquired Peruvian citizenship. He had originally been sent there as a missionary in 1985.
On Dec. 12, 2014, Pope Francis appointed him titular bishop of Sufar and apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru.
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