Father Simon Cadwallader, one of our diocesan priests currently working in the diocese of Lurin in Peru as a LAMP priest, shares the reaction in Peru to the election of Pope Leo XIV, the "Peruvian Pope".

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AN AMERICAN POPE WITH A PERUVIAN SOUL

Understandably, there is great joy in both North and South America following the election of Pope Leo XIV. He is a native of Chicago, and his roots are firmly in the United States. Yet he is quoted as having said, “I am a Peruvian, because one does not belong to where one is born but to the place where one gives one's soul.” Peru is certainly his second homeland. Fr. Robert Prevost became a Peruvian citizen and bishop, serving the people of Chiclayo from 2015 until being appointed to Rome by Pope Francis in 2023, when he was made an archbishop and then cardinal.

The people of Peru, and the diocese of Chiclayo in particular, are very proud that someone who has served the Church on Latin American soil for many years as pastor, seminary professor, and valued member of the Peruvian Bishops' Conference has become the new leader of the Catholic Church. They feel he will bring to the papacy the wisdom and insight gained from understanding the vulnerability that surrounds the poorer nations and thus will be more able to address the issues that face those developing countries.

What are the people of Chiclayo who have known Pope Leo for a long time saying about him? Well, during the COVID-19 pandemic, which killed more than 217,000 people across Peru, Chiclayo on the northern coast of Peru was one of the most impacted areas of the country. Bishop Robert, as he was then known, was instrumental in discussions with the local authorities as to how to face the imminent dangers. He put aside any personal fear about contagion and would often be seen out on the streets helping those in need. During torrential rains in 2022, he waded through mud to help people in nearby villages. He delivered food and blankets to remote Andean villages, driving a pickup truck, and accepting whatever food was offered to him on the way. It was largely due to Bishop Robert's persistence that two oxygen production plants were created in Chiclayo and cylinders distributed to people without the recourses to buy one. It was an initiative that prevented many lives from being lost.

Bishop Robert brought the Blessed Sacrament out onto the empty streets and, accompanied by other priests, would bless the homes of those who were living in fear at the time. He showed himself to be a shepherd walking with his people in darker times, in solidarity with those most in need, expressing actively the Church's preferential “option for the poor.” In his time in Chiclayo, Bishop Robert was seen as being a humble man, at ease with everyone, and always willing to speak and answer questions from young people about the Church. Those who know him well believe he will continue Pope Francis' efforts towards a fraternal church, a synodal church close to the people, championing human dignity and rights and especially those of the least fortunate in society.

The new pontiff has called on all believers to bear witness to our joyful faith in Jesus the Saviour, to strengthen our personal relationship with the Lord, and commit ourselves to a daily journey of conversion. Pope Leo's pastoral experience in Peru will undoubtedly shape his perspectives as he strives to lead more than a billion Catholics across the world, many of them eagerly awaiting signs as to the direction in which he wishes the Church to go. Edinson Farfán, the current Bishop of Chiclayo, said Pope Leo has undoubtedly been deeply influenced by the Church of Chiclayo, a city with people of simple, strong, trusting faith. "It's his beloved diocese,” he said. “He learned here everything he can share and will share with the entire world."

So let us all pray that the Holy Spirit will be the constant encourager and guide of Pope Leo XIV, and inspire him as he strives to bring unity and energy to the mission of the Church, and to be a powerful advocate and voice for peace across all lands. Amen.

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