New Pope Leo XIV: An American Pontiff with a Peruvian Heart
Pope Leo XIV expresses affection for Peru and the national dish of ceviche. - Pope Leo XIV expresses fondness for Peru and its traditional dish, Ceviche.
Pope Leo XIV, the fresh face in the Catholic Church's highest seat, hails from the US but has a deep affection for Peru. Our new Pontiff, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected on May 8, 2025, becoming the first American to occupy this prestigious position.
This vibrant leader, born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, possesses a rich and varied background, with significant connections to Peru.
His journey began with education at an Augustinian minor seminary in Michigan and a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Villanova University, Pennsylvania. Serving in the Order of St. Augustine since 1978, he made his solemn vows in 1981 and became a priest in June 1982 after theology studies at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago.
Following his ordination, Pope Leo XIV embarked on a transformative journey, dedicating over a decade to missionary work in Peru. Later, he ventured briefly into US service, returning to his beloved Peru where he managed an Augustinian seminary in Trujillo before settling as Bishop in the northern city of Chiclayo.
Commanding the Andean country's admiration, unlike any other Pope before him, Leo's bond with Peru was palpable in his first speech as Pontiff, filled with praise for his "beloved diocese of Chiclayo" in Spanish.
Affectionately, his predecessor as Bishop of Chiclayo, Farfan, spoke warmly about Leo's strong bond with Peru, revealing photographs of him horseback riding in Chiclayo and highlighting his early days as a missionary in the northern city of Chulucanas.
Mirroring his late predecessor Francis, the new Pope has a deep concern for people on the fringes of society, tackling the issue of poverty head-on. Although known for his centrist views, he opposes the ordination of women as deacons, resonating with more traditional church doctrine.
Despite his progressive leanings, Pope Leo XIV's unwavering devotion to the Catholic Church's mission in South America remains evident. Few can doubt the passion that fuels this American Pontiff with a Peruvian heart.
- Pope Leo XIV, who has a deep affection for Peru, was born in Chicago, Illinois, and spent over a decade doing missionary work in Peru before serving in the United States.
- During his time as Bishop of Chiclayo, Pope Leo XIV shared a strong bond with the diocese, engaging in activities such as horseback riding in the city.
- As an Augustinian priest, Pope Leo XIV managed an Augustinian seminary in Trujillo before being appointed Bishop in Chiclayo.
- Displaying a deep concern for the people on the margins of society, Pope Leo XIV, like his predecessor Francis, focuses on tackling issues of poverty, but maintains traditional church doctrine by opposing the ordination of women as deacons.
