Pope Leo XIV: The Peruvian-American Pontiff with a Passion for Ceviche and the Church
Pope Leo XIV allegedly has a fondness for Peruvian cuisine, particularly the seafood dish ceviche. - Pope XIV expresses fondness for Peru and its national dish, Ceviche.
Pour some pisco, we've got a new Pope!
In a historic move for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a former missionary and archbishop in Peru, was elected as Pope Leo XIV on a Thursday in the holy city of Vatican. This marks the first time ever that the office of the Pope comes from the good ol' US of A.
But don't expect this new Pontiff to lose touch with his roots - far from it! His love for Peru was evident as soon as he took on his new role, addressing his flock in Spanish and praising his "adored diocese of Chiclayo."
Farfan, Prevost's predecessor as Bishop of Chiclayo, noted the Pope's deep bond with Peru and even shared some candid photos of a younger Prevost, buckling down on horseback in the Andean countryside.
Remember, this man started his career as a missionary in the northern city of Chulucanas, fresh out of university. From there, he moved on to the charming coastal city of Trujillo, ultimately settling down in the vibrant northern city of Chiclayo.
Prevost dedicated his life to the mission in Peru, and like his late predecessor Francis, he's got a heart for the downtrodden and the less fortunate. He's shown time and time again that he's got a knack for bringing people together and uplifting those who are struggling, mirroring the values of his Augustinian order.
A Man of Love and Action
If cardinal-like robes and a papal tiara aren't enough to prove Prevost's dedication to the Church, just take a peek at his record. During his tenure as Bishop of Chiclayo, he was involved in various local initiatives and touched the lives of countless Peruvians, including Venezuelan refugees seeking refuge in Peru amidst economic turmoil.
As a member of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference, Prevost made meaningful contributions to the Church's cultural and educational efforts, even lending his expertise to the economic council. When the Diocese of Callao needed a hand, they turned to Prevost, making him Apostolic Administrator in 2020.
Prevost is known for his soft-spoken demeanor and simple way of life, making him a beloved figure in the Peruvian Catholic community. His focus on community, compassion, and embracing all is what truly sets him apart.
While he's now got a bigger playground to work with in Rome, we can expect Pope Leo XIV to continue his mission of sharing the message of Christ, Colombian coffee, and of course, gourmet ceviche with the world.
P.S. - If you're feeling extra brave, ask him about his horse-riding skills!
[1] Catholic Church elects first American Pope[2] Cardinal Prevost’s Humble Roots Signal New Era for the Catholic Church[3] Peruvian Bishop Aids Refugees Fleeing Venezuela Crisis[4] Pope Leo XIV: A Continuation of Francis' Legacy of Service?
- Bishop Robert Francis Prevost, the new Pope Leo XIV, examples his love for his native Peru by speaking Spanish in his inaugural address and praising his diocese of Chiclayo.
- Before his rise to prominence, Prevost served as a missionary in Peru, starting in Chulucanas and eventually settling in Chiclayo.
- As Bishop of Chiclayo, Prevost demonstrated his commitment to the marginalized, reflecting the values of his Augustinian order, while also making contributions to the Church's cultural and educational endeavors.
- In his new role as Pope, Pope Leo XIV, a fan of Peruvian cuisine like ceviche, is expected to continue sharing the message of Christ, Colombian coffee, and gourmet ceviche with the world.
