Friday, Dec 05 2025 Donate
A service of EWTN News

PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV meeting the last three pontiffs

Pope Benedict XVI greets the future Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican Gardens./ Credit: Courtesy of the Augustinian Midwest Province (USA), Our Mother of Good Counsel

Pope Leo XIV had the opportunity to meet three of his predecessors at the helm of the Barque of Peter. The following are some photos of these encounters between former Cardinal Robert Prevost as a young Augustinian religious, prior of the order, and cardinal.

The Augustinian Province of the Midwest in the United States, established under the patronage of Our Mother of Good Counsel, has published several photos of his meetings with St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI.

A young Robert Francis Prevost, now Leo XIV, met more than once with St. John Paul II. Credit: Courtesy of the Augustinian Midwest Province (USA) Our Mother of Good Counsel

In the first, a young Prevost, vested as a deacon, is seen greeting the Polish pontiff, likely at the conclusion of a liturgical ceremony.

In the second, St. John Paul II appears again with the young Prevost, who is wearing the black habit of the Order of St. Augustine.

St. John Paul II and a young Robert Francis Prevost, wearing the black habit of the Augustinians. Credit: Courtesy of the Augustinian Midwest Province (USA) Our Mother of Good Counsel

He was also wearing the Augustinian habit when his photo was taken during the pontificate of Benedict XVI.

Pope Benedict XVI greets the future Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican Gardens. Credit: Courtesy of the Augustinian Midwest Province (USA). Our Mother of Good Counsel.

Finally, on Sept. 30, 2023, a photo was taken capturing the moment when Pope Francis made him a cardinal.

Pope Francis made Bishop Robert Prevost a cardinal on Sept. 30, 2023. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.

As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Click here

Our mission is the truth. Join us!

Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.

Donate to CNA