Mildred Agnes Prevost
Mildred Agnes Prevost (née Martínez; December 30, 1911 - June 18, 1990) was an American educator and librarian known for her deep Catholic faith, community involvement, and cultural contributions in Chicago, Illinois. She was the mother of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, elected in 2025. Her devout faith and vibrant personality significantly shaped her son’s path to the priesthood and papacy.
Early life
Mildred Agnes Martínez, affectionately called "Millie" by friends, was born on December 30, 1911, in Chicago, Illinois, to Joseph Norvale Martínez and Louise Baquié, both of Louisiana Creole descent from the 7th Ward of New Orleans. Her family was of mixed-race heritage with African, Spanish, and French ancestry. Her maternal grandfather, Joseph Martínez, was born in Santo Domingo (then part of Haiti), while her grandmother, Louise Baquié, was born in New Orleans to parents married in a local Catholic church. She was the youngest of seven daughters, two of whom became nuns. Baptized on February 4, 1912, at Holy Name Cathedral, she attended Immaculata High School, graduating in 1929.
Education and career
Mildred earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from DePaul University in 1947, an uncommon achievement for women of her era, and pursued graduate-level courses there. She worked as a librarian at Von Steuben High School and Mendel Catholic High School in Chicago, where she was recognized for her dedication to education and community service. They settled in Dolton, Illinois, at 212 East 141st Place, raising three sons: Louis Martín, John Joseph, and Robert Francis, who became Pope Leo XIV in 2025. Mildred gave birth to her sons in her late 30s and early 40s, a relatively late age for motherhood at the time. She was a central influence on her son Robert’s spiritual journey, who called her “Ma” and credited her devout example as guiding him toward the priesthood and eventually the papacy. Her involvement in church activities and her nurturing presence fostered a tight-knit family deeply rooted in their local parish.<ref name="NYT 2025" />
Death and legacy
Mildred was diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy before passing away on June 18, 1990, at St. James Hospital and Health Centers in Chicago Heights, Illinois.<ref name"NYT 2025" /> Her funeral was held at Hennessy-Hornburg Funeral Home in Riverdale, with a Mass at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, officiated by her son, Rev. Robert Prevost.<ref name"Chicago Tribune 1990" /> She was buried at Assumption Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum in Glenwood, Illinois, alongside her husband.<ref name"Chicago Tribune 1990" /> Following Robert’s election as Pope Leo XIV, Mildred’s three sons reunited in Rome during the week of Mother’s Day 2025, honoring her enduring influence.<ref name"NYT 2025" /> Her Creole heritage and devout Catholic life have been celebrated as integral to the Prevost family’s story, reflecting the multicultural fabric of America.<ref name"Rose, Romine, & Rehbein 2025" /><ref name"NYT 2025" /> Her legacy endures through her son’s historic papacy and the continued recognition of her role in shaping his spiritual and personal life.<ref name="NYT 2025" />
Early life
Mildred Agnes Martínez, affectionately called "Millie" by friends, was born on December 30, 1911, in Chicago, Illinois, to Joseph Norvale Martínez and Louise Baquié, both of Louisiana Creole descent from the 7th Ward of New Orleans. Her family was of mixed-race heritage with African, Spanish, and French ancestry. Her maternal grandfather, Joseph Martínez, was born in Santo Domingo (then part of Haiti), while her grandmother, Louise Baquié, was born in New Orleans to parents married in a local Catholic church. She was the youngest of seven daughters, two of whom became nuns. Baptized on February 4, 1912, at Holy Name Cathedral, she attended Immaculata High School, graduating in 1929.
Education and career
Mildred earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from DePaul University in 1947, an uncommon achievement for women of her era, and pursued graduate-level courses there. She worked as a librarian at Von Steuben High School and Mendel Catholic High School in Chicago, where she was recognized for her dedication to education and community service. They settled in Dolton, Illinois, at 212 East 141st Place, raising three sons: Louis Martín, John Joseph, and Robert Francis, who became Pope Leo XIV in 2025. Mildred gave birth to her sons in her late 30s and early 40s, a relatively late age for motherhood at the time. She was a central influence on her son Robert’s spiritual journey, who called her “Ma” and credited her devout example as guiding him toward the priesthood and eventually the papacy. Her involvement in church activities and her nurturing presence fostered a tight-knit family deeply rooted in their local parish.<ref name="NYT 2025" />
Death and legacy
Mildred was diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy before passing away on June 18, 1990, at St. James Hospital and Health Centers in Chicago Heights, Illinois.<ref name"NYT 2025" /> Her funeral was held at Hennessy-Hornburg Funeral Home in Riverdale, with a Mass at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, officiated by her son, Rev. Robert Prevost.<ref name"Chicago Tribune 1990" /> She was buried at Assumption Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum in Glenwood, Illinois, alongside her husband.<ref name"Chicago Tribune 1990" /> Following Robert’s election as Pope Leo XIV, Mildred’s three sons reunited in Rome during the week of Mother’s Day 2025, honoring her enduring influence.<ref name"NYT 2025" /> Her Creole heritage and devout Catholic life have been celebrated as integral to the Prevost family’s story, reflecting the multicultural fabric of America.<ref name"Rose, Romine, & Rehbein 2025" /><ref name"NYT 2025" /> Her legacy endures through her son’s historic papacy and the continued recognition of her role in shaping his spiritual and personal life.<ref name="NYT 2025" />
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