Celebrations are in full swing in Peru following the election of Pope Leo XIV as the 267th Bishop of Rome on Thursday.
Pope Leo XIV, born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 14, 1955, is historically significant as the first American head of the Catholic Church. His journey in the church began nearly 40 years ago, initially as a missionary, eventually becoming Archbishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023.
In his inaugural address at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV, speaking in fluent Spanish, expressed admiration for “Chicus Parish of My Beloved Parish.” He remarked, “If you allow me, I’ve shared much to support your faith and greetings from my beloved parish in Peru, where everyone, particularly the faithful, stood by their bishops to share their faith and uphold the church of Jesus Christ.”
Peruvians quickly began their celebrations upon hearing the news. Local news outlets spotlighted the Pope’s connection to Peru. In Chiclayo, where Bishop Prevost was well-regarded, enthusiastic crowds gathered outside the cathedral to honor the “Pope with the Heart of Chiclayan.”
Local media recalled Bishop Prevost’s farewell speech before his departure to Rome in April 2023, highlighting his strong ties to Chiclayo. He cited a quote from a group of U.S. missionaries: “Missionaries aren’t needed until they are needed, and they remain until they aren’t anymore.”
A resident from Chiclayo remarked, “This beautiful election surprises us. Having a Peruvian Pope brings us immense joy. We’ve always celebrated Sunday Mass here.”
The Peruvian radio station RPP shared nostalgic photos of Pope Leo XIV’s visits to Peru, which have been circulating among Peruvians since Friday morning.
On Thursday, RPP also featured an interview with Mildred Camacho, the Pope’s daughter, who shared her happiness upon learning of her godfather’s election. She reflected on her father’s time in Chulkanas, where he asked the Pope to become friends with him and his children’s godfather.
“I’ve got pictures from baptisms and parties that occurred back then,” Camacho mentioned. “He was always there, working under Pope John Paul II in the Vatican and often sending us photographs from that period.”
“Whenever he came to Peru, he’d let my father know so we could meet. We exchanged greetings before and after Mass, but his busy schedule often meant we couldn’t spend much time together,” she added.
RPP also spoke with Father Ramiro Castillo from the Monastery of Santo Tomas de Villanueva in Trujillo, where Pope Leo lived for nearly ten years. He showcased the bedroom where the Pope stayed in the 1990s and expressed excitement over the Pope’s election, stating that his time in Trujillo played a critical role in his spiritual development.
“I think his experience in Trujillo really helped him deepen his faith and recognize his calling to serve the church. His return to this city means a lot to us,” he said.
Peruvian outlets have also noted the Pope’s love for local cuisine. An article from El Commercio referenced a February 2023 interview in which Bishop Prevost discussed his favorites. He remarked on the delightful nature of the food in Chiclayo.
El Commercio also mentioned past moments when the Pope celebrated Mass in the quiet streets of Chiclayo during the Uhan Coronavirus pandemic.
Sister Sol Margarita Flores, who accompanied the Pope during his tenure as Bishop, spoke about his closeness to the underprivileged, describing him as someone who genuinely cared for the poor. She recalled his support of a local soup kitchen that continues to serve today.
“I believe God has heard the people’s plea and provided us with a Pope who resonates with both Peruvians and the broader world. He’s an enlightened individual who knows how to listen,” Sister Tamaritos said, mentioning his fondness for local dishes.
“When he visits, I take him to have cabrit con roche,” she added.
The national immigration authority in Peru recently announced Pope Leo XIV’s dual citizenship, reflecting his American origins and Peruvian nationality. He received this citizenship on August 24, 2015, with the director sharing details on social media.
The naturalization process was signed by former Minister of Home Affairs Jose Luis Perez Guadalupe, who described his many meetings with the Pope. He characterized him as polite and thoughtful, someone who values listening over speaking.
“We discussed various issues, but we were particularly concerned about how the Catholic Church has been losing ground in Latin America to the rise of Christian churches. He believed we needed to make the church more accessible to the faithful,” Perez Guadalupe concluded.
