Thomas More Society celebrates the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church as Bishop of Rome. “We cannot build a just society if we discard the weakest—whether the child in the womb or the elderly in their frailty—for they are both gifts from God,” the new Pope shared in a 2012 address.

As the spiritual shepherd for Catholics worldwide, the Holy Father's unwavering defense of life and human dignity, from conception until natural death, will be a beacon for hope and healing, as well as a source of inspiration for all of us tasked with spreading the Gospel of Life in today's society.

Pope Leo XIV was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois. A member of the Order of Saint Augustine, he was ordained a priest in 1982 and served for numerous years in Peru. His many positions included Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru (2014–2023), prior general of the Augustinians (2001–2013), and prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops (2023), appointed by Pope Francis, who elevated him to cardinal in 2023. A plethora of experiences and missionary heart have prepared him to lead the Catholic Church with humility and an astute awareness of the present challenges to sharing and encountering the Gospel in our world.

Pope Leo XIV’s strong connection to Illinois and Chicago, where Thomas More Society was founded and is currently headquartered, fills our Thomas More Society team with hometown pride. Raised in Dolton, Illinois and educated in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV is acutely aware of the challenges the Land of Lincoln has faced regarding the protection of preborn life. In 2017, then-Bishop Prevost signaled public opposition to Illinois’ HB 40, a state law expanding taxpayer-funded abortions—which Thomas More Society challenged in a lawsuit against state officials.

On behalf of pro-life advocates, organizations, and the Diocese of Springfield, Illinois—bouyed by prayers, doubtlessly including those of the future Pope—Thomas More Society attorneys fought HB 40 through the courts. Our efforts, including appeals to the Illinois Supreme Court, sought to protect taxpayers from funding abortion in direct violation of the sanctity of life and conscience.

We join the global Church in praying for Pope Leo XIV.