This Monday (14), the Church celebrates Pope Leo XIV’s 71st birthday. Robert Francis Prevost was born in Chicago, United States, on September 14, 1955. A member of the Order of St. Augustine, he was ordained a priest on June 19, 1982, and served in various pastoral and formation roles, particularly in Peru.
Between 2001 and 2013, he served as Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine, during which time he lived in Rome and visited Augustinian communities and missions in several countries. In 2015, he returned to Peru as Bishop of Chiclayo, a ministry he carried out until 2023.
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In January of that year, he was appointed by Pope Francis as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. In September 2023, he was made a cardinal. On May 8, 2025, he was elected the successor of Peter, taking the name Leo XIV.
A Pontificate Marked by the Proclamation of Peace
Since his first appearance as Pope, Leo XIV has placed peace at the center of his message. From the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica following his election, he greeted the faithful with the words: “Peace be with all of you.”
The expression has a special resonance for the Shalom Catholic Community, which is preparing to celebrate the [Shalom 2026 Convention] from November 15 to 21 in Rome and Assisi. The theme of the gathering, which celebrates 45 years of the Charism, will be “Peace be with you.”
The closeness between the Holy Father and the Community also took concrete form in July of this year, when [Leo XIV sent a video message to the young participants of Halleluya 2026] in Fortaleza. On that occasion, he encouraged them to maintain their missionary zeal and expressed his hope that they would be “living stones in the building of the ‘city of peace.’”
In November, the Community will once again have the opportunity to be close to the Successor of Peter. One of the most anticipated moments of the Convention will be the meeting with Pope Leo XIV, scheduled for November 19 in Rome.
How to Secure Your Spot
If you are still discerning or organizing the final details of your trip, now is the right time to make your decision and secure your place before airfare prices rise.
Rome and Assisi are waiting for you. Don’t leave it until the last minute—be part of another unforgettable chapter in our history alongside the Successor of Peter.
[Click here to register for the Shalom 2026 Convention]
Prayer for the Holy Father
On his birthday, the Shalom Catholic Community joins the Church in giving thanks to God for the life and ministry of Pope Leo XIV and asking the Holy Spirit to strengthen him in his mission to lead the Church.
May the Lord grant the Holy Father wisdom, courage, and peace as he continues to proclaim the Gospel and serve the People of God.
Happy birthday, Holy Father!
