Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A., born September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, is a distinguished American Catholic prelate and member of the Order of Saint Augustine. Prior to his election as Pope, he served as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America since 2023. He has held significant responsibilities within the Catholic Church, overseeing the evaluation and recommendation of candidates for the episcopate worldwide.

Raised in a family of French, Italian, and Spanish descent, Prevost completed his secondary education at the Augustinian Minor Seminary in 1973. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Villanova University in 1977, followed by a Master of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago in 1982. His academic journey continued in Rome, where he obtained a Licentiate in Canon Law (1984) and a Doctorate in Canon Law (1987) from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, with a thesis focused on the role of the local prior in the Augustinian order.

Ordained a priest in 1982, Prevost’s early ministry included missionary work in Peru from 1985 to 1998, where he served as a Parish Pastor, Diocesan Chancellor, Seminary Rector, and Canon Law professor. His leadership within the Augustinian order saw him elected Prior General from 2001 to 2013, guiding the global community from Rome. In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, and he was consecrated Bishop in 2015, serving until 2023. He became a naturalized Peruvian citizen during this time.

Elevated to Cardinal in 2023, Prevost was assigned the title of Cardinal-Deacon of Santa Monica degli Agostiniani and later promoted to Cardinal-Bishop of the Suburbicarian Diocese of Albano in 2025. His extensive experience in Peru, fluency in Spanish and Italian, and deep commitment to pastoral service have marked him as a respected figure in the Church.

With a career spanning education, missionary work, and high-level administration, Cardinal Prevost greatly shaped the Church’s future through his role in selecting bishops. Pope Leo XIV’s work in the Church will now continue as the Successor of St. Peter. His first words to the crowds when he stepped out as Pope on the balcony of the Vatican were, “Peace be with all of you.” We pray that Pope Leo XIV will be blessed with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit as he continues to lead the Church. Viva il Papa!

If your Pilgrimage to Italy with 206 Tours includes attending the weekly Papal Audience, you will have the opportunity hear and see Pope XIV at St. Peter’s Square.

Please note that during the month of July, Pope Leo XIV spends his time on vacation at Castel Gandolfo. There are no Papal Audiences in Rome during his absence.

 

See Pope Leo XIV in person, on the following 206 Tours Pilgrimages to Italy:

Shrines of Italy

Rome · Vatican City (Papal Audience with the Holy Father) · Trevi Fountain · Basilica of St. John the Lateran · Holy Stairs · Basilica of St. Mary Major · St. Peter’s Basilica · Vatican Museum · Appian Way · Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls · Catacombs · Monte Cassino · San Giovanni Rotondo (St. Padre Pio) · Monte Sant’Angelo (St. Michael) · Lanciano (Eucharistic Miracle) · Loreto (Holy House) · Assisi (St. Francis)

Duration	Destination
10 Days	Italy

On this pilgrimage to the Shrines of Italy, encompasses some of the holiest Catholic sites that Italy has to offer! In Rome, step foot into the four Major Basilicas, see the Square from the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica, and attend a Papal Audience with his successor, the Pope. In San Giovanni Rotondo, visit sites from the life of St. Padre Pio. In Loreto, visit the “Holy House,” home of the Holy Family and mysteriously transported to Italy by the holy angels. Close out your pilgrimage with several days of prayer and reflection in the beautiful hometown of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi.

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All Italian Shrines

Rome (The Holy Father) * Monte Cassino * San Giovanni Rotondo (Padre Pio) * Monte Sant’Angelo (St. Michael) * Lanciano (Eucharistic Miracle) * Loreto (Holy House) * Assisi (St. Francis) * Orvieto * Siena * Florence * Padua (St. Anthony) * Venice

Duration	Destination
14 Days	Italy

In June 2019 The Pope declared 2020 the Jubilee Year for Air travelers and Pilgrims to Shrine of Loreto. Our Lady of Loreto was named the patron saint of aviation and aviators by Pope Benedict XV in 1920. The Jubilee Year will start on December 8, 2019, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and conclude on December 10th, 2021 the feast of Our Lady of Loreto. According to pious tradition, Mary’s house in Nazareth was flown by angels to Loreto, Italy in 1294, after a stop in Croatia, what was then Yugoslavia. This miracle is often referred to as “the Miracle of the Holy House of Loreto”.

Take in Rome (with its iconic sites, fountains, and four Major Basilicas), and attend the Papal Audience with the Holy Father. Walk in the footsteps of St. Padre Pio and St. Francis of Assisi. Not to mention time to view the Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano. From Assisi, you will make your way to Florence – recognized as the “Cradle of the Renaissance”. Visit the marvelous Churches, buildings, and museums that make it so unique, as well as the historical relics and artistic masterpieces by the greatest masters! And to finish with Venice – the “City Paved in Water”, famous for its Basilica, palazzi, ancient bridges, monuments, and piazza’s!

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Classic Italy

Rome (The Holy Father) * Monte Cassino * Sorrento * Pompeii * Amalfi Coast * Assisi (St. Francis) * Orvieto * Siena * Florence * Padua (St. Anthony) * Venice

Duration	Destination
14 Days	Italy

Apart from the endless beauty, the Amalfi Coast is world-famous for its culture, food, wine, Churches, and views from the rolling hills along the coastline. Be introduced to the life of St. Philomena, the Wonder Worker, who proclaimed “Stand firm under the protection of Mary!” While being a famous spot visited by thousands every year, it maintains a quaint, and cozy feeling that will immerse you in the “Vita Bella.”

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Italy: Faith & Food Pilgrimage

Rome (The Holy Father) * Orvieto * Assisi (St. Francis) * Bevagna * Trevi * Montefalco * Siena * San Gimignano * Montalcino * Orcia Valley * Pienza * Montepulciano * Florence * Chianti Region * Tuscan Countryside * Greve * Castellina

Duration	Destination
11 Days	Italy

A Pilgrimage with 206 Tours provides you with all you would expect of a pilgrimage and more! Visit Christian Rome and the home of St. Francis of Assisi. Enjoy seeing those small towns and villas that are the heart of Tuscany, Umbria, and Florence. Visit wineries, open air markets, taste local cheeses, olives pressed into oil ,and pastas made locally. Of course, you will be accompanied by one of our priests who will celebrate Mass daily, and accompany you on this interesting journey of Faith and Food!

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