Augustine University has joined Catholic faithful across the world in celebrating the election of the new pope, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, who succeeds Pope Francis as the 267th Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.

The announcement was made from the central loggia of Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, where Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti proclaimed “Habemus Papam” which means “We have a Pope!”, revealing that Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost had been elected and had taken the name Leo XIV.

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, USA, is a member of the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA). He served for many years as a missionary and bishop in Peru and later as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in the Roman Curia, where he oversaw the global appointment of bishops. 

A scholar and spiritual leader, Pope Leo XIV is widely respected for his pastoral heart, administrative skill, and commitment to social justice, evangelization, and Church reform.

Fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian, the new pope brings to the papacy a blend of American and Latin American pastoral experience, along with deep theological insight rooted in the Augustinian tradition. His election is seen by many as a sign of continuity with the vision of Pope Francis, especially in matters of synodality, care for the poor, and global outreach.

As Pope Leo XIV begins his ministry as the spiritual leader of more than 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, Augustine University remains in communion with the Holy See, praying for wisdom, humility, and strength for the Holy Father as he leads the Church into a new chapter.