We invite you to delve into an exclusive tour of the settings that shaped the life and vocation of Pope Leo XIV. From the humble streets of Chicago, where his first steps were marked by faith lived in community, to the intense years of Augustinian formation, each place preserves the mark of a vocation that was strengthened.
This geographical and spiritual journey also takes us to northern Peru, where the then young missionary served the poorest, facing not only material deprivations, but also the threats of violence. And finally, to the historic halls of Rome, where his testimony and leadership within the Order of Saint Augustine prepared him for an unexpected destiny: to occupy the pontifical throne. Each space we explore in this guide is not only a reference on the map, but a station in the history of a pastor called to protect the flock of God with his life.
Leo XIV in Chicago
1. St. Mary of the Assumption Parish
By Lori Strock Photography – I commissioned a professional photographer to take this picture., CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=165784644
The St. Mary of the Assumption Church was a Catholic parish in the Riverdale area of Chicago, established in 1886 by German-American Catholic families. A parish school was built next to the church.
The Pope Leo XIV grew up in this parish, where he was an altar boy and a member of the choir. He was also a student at the parish elementary school.
Currently, the parish is out of operation, as it merged with other nearby parishes. The building has significant deterioration due to damage to the roof and windows. Due to its historical importance and its connection with Pope Leo XIV, efforts are being made for its preservation.
In May 2025, the designation of the church as a historical monument of Chicago was formally requested to protect it from demolition and support its restoration.
Location: 13781 S Leyden Ave, Chicago, IL 60827, United States
2. Convent of Saint Augustine
St. Rita of Cascia Parish-https://www.midwestaugustinians.org/photos
The Augustinians arrived in Chicago at the request of Archbishop Quigley. In addition to founding their own convent, they built the Parish of Saint Rita of Cascia and the College of Saint Rita. In 1909, they created three additional parishes in nearby neighborhoods: Saint Clare of Montefalco, Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, and Saint Galo.
It was in this convent where the future Pope Leo XIV, then Robert Prevost, began his path to the priesthood. He entered the Augustinian novitiate in September 1977, made his first vows in 1978 and his solemn profession in 1981.
During his years of formation, he dedicated his time to teaching Mathematics and Physics in local schools founded by the order and to apostolic work in the Augustinian parishes.
For more information about this convent, visit the website of the Midwest Augustinians.
Location: 5413 S Cornell Ave, Chicago, IL 60615, United States.
3. Chapel of Saint Clare of Montefalco (Michigan)
This parish was founded by the Order of Saint Augustine in 1926. For 86 years, until 2012, numerous Augustinians and Dominican Sisters served and administered the parish community and the school.
Since August 2012, the direction of the parish has been entrusted to the Michaelite Fathers.
Here Pope Leo XIV was ordained a deacon by Monsignor Thomas Gumbleton.
For more information about this Church, visit the website of the Saint Clare of Montefalco Parish.
Location: 1401 Whittier Rd, Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230, United States
Missionary Work in Peru
4. San José Obrero Convent-Vicariate San Juan De Sahagún (Chulucanas)
San Isidro Labrador Parish-Vicariate of Chulucanas-http://www.agustinos.org/categoria-producto/parroquias/
At the request of Pope Saint John XXIII, the Augustinian missionaries of the Midwest arrived in northern Peru in 1963. This region, near Chulucanas, is one of the poorest and most underdeveloped in the country. It extends from the coastal desert to the Andes.
This was the first pastoral destination of Pope Leo XIV. He ministered in this region between 1985-1986.
For more information about the mission of the Augustinians in Chulucanas, visit the website of the Vicariate San Juan de Sahagún de Chulucanas.
Location: Jr. Pisagua 645, Chulucanas 20301, Peru.
5. Convent of Santo Tomás De Villanueva (Trujillo)
He arrived at this convent in 1988. For ten years he assumed very varied and formative roles in the Augustinian mission. He was prior of the community (1988-1992),director of formation (1988-1998) andinstructor for professed members (1992-1998).
He became a strong defender of human rights against the violence of the Sendero Luminoso guerrilla group. In addition, he organized support for Venezuelan refugees.
For more information about the mission of the Augustinians in Trujillo, visit the website of the Convent of Santo Tomás de Villanueva
Location: VXFH+WP4 La Colina, Trujillo 13007, Peru.
6. Cathedral of Santa María (Chiclayo)
By Carloscookm – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51970409
Robert Prevost was consecrated bishop of Chiclayo in the Cathedral of Santa María on December 12, 2014. He chose as his episcopal motto In Illo uno unum (“In Him who is One, we are One”). Here he celebrated Holy Mass daily.
This neoclassical cathedral was built between 1869 and 1939.
For more information about this church, visit the website of the Cathedral of Santa María de Chiclayo.
Leo XIV in Rome
7. Chapel of Santa Mónica De Los Agostiniani
By Croberto68 – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4837392.
In this chapel, attached to the Augustinian General Curia and the Augustinian Institute, Leo XIV was ordained a priest on June 19, 1982. Years later, between 2001 and 2013, he lived and worked there as Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine. On September 30, 2023, it was designated as a titular church to be assigned to a cardinal-deacon. Robert Prevost served as its cardinal protector until his elevation as Cardinal Bishop of Albano on February 6, 2025.
For more information visit the website of the Augustinian General Curia.
8. Basilica of Saint Augustine
By Peter1936F – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=52137889
The Basilica of Saint Augustine in Campo Marzio, located in Rome, Italy, is the mother church of the Order of Saint Augustine and is dedicated to the founding saint. Built in 1286, it is famous for its Renaissance architecture, its outstanding works of art by Caravaggio (such as the “Virgin of Loreto”), Raphael (“Prophet Isaiah”) and Guercino, as well as for housing the tomb of Saint Monica, mother of Saint Augustine. The facade, from 1483, was decorated with marble from the Colosseum.
Being a central point for important celebrations of the order, Prevost presided over numerous Eucharists there.
For more information about this church, visit the website of the Basilica of Saint Augustine.
9. Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel (Genazzano)
This basilica is one of the first churches dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, built shortly after the disappearance of paganism. In the 14th century, the temple was given in custody to the Order of Saint Augustine, with the aim of providing pastoral assistance to the community and for the proper conservation of the building.
According to a legend, in 1467, during the feast of the Virgin of Good Counsel, angelic music was heard from the sky. A ray of light came down to the back wall of the unfinished chapel and the bells rang. Immediately, all the bell towers sounded in unison with the bells of Genazzano. The cloud gradually dissipated, revealing the painting that represents the Virgin of Good Counsel with her Son in her arms. The news of the apparition reached Rome, and Pope Paul II considered that these events should be investigated and studied. That same year, the commission was established.
This sanctuary has a profoundly special meaning for Pope Leo XIV. On May 10, 2025, just two days after his election as Pontiff, the Holy Father made a surprise and private visit to the sanctuary. This action was not new for him; faithful to a personal tradition, he had already visited this sacred place at key moments in his life, such as when he was elected superior of the Augustinians, or after having been appointed bishop and cardinal, which underlines the constant importance of this sanctuary in the most important moments of his life.
For more information about this church, visit the website of the Basilica Sanctuary of Our Lady of Good Counsel.
Location: Corso Cardinali Vannutelli, 2, 00030 Genazzano RM, Italy.
If you want to visit these churches, remember that your Mass Times app will be your best travel companion. It will help you find local Mass schedules, Confession services, and Adoration times, ensuring that your spiritual pilgrimage is always connected to the sacraments. Download it now.
The various paths and destinations traveled by Pope Leo XIV, from his childhood in Chicago to his ministry in Peru and his responsibilities in Rome, show us a life dedicated to the service of God and neighbor.
Each place he inhabited and each role he played were crucial stages in which God prepared him for the mission he must fulfill today. His fidelity and devotion are an inspiring testimony for all of us.
Let us not fail to pray for the Pope, who needs our prayers so much!
Who is Leo XIV and where is He from?
Leo XIV is the current Pope of the Catholic Church, elected Pontiff in 2025. His birth name is Robert Prevost.
He was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, United States. His early years and religious formation were strongly linked to this city, where he attended the parish of Saint Mary of the Assumption. In addition, he entered the Convent of Saint Augustine, where he began his path of priestly formation.
What other Nationality Does the New Pope Have?
In addition, Pope Leo XIV also holds Peruvian nationality. This is due to his extensive career of more than two decades in Peru, where he carried out important missionary work (in Trujillo) and held high ecclesiastical positions, such as Judicial Vicar and, later, Bishop of Chiclayo.
Where Does Pope Leo XIV Live?
Pope Leo XIV resides in the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican. After his election, he decided to resume the tradition of residing in this place.
