2025-05-08T23:07:00Z

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The election of Pope Leo XIV has sparked widespread celebration throughout Latin America, particularly among those who see him as the second pontiff ever hailing from the region, following the popular Argentinian leader, Pope Francis. This historic moment has been met with particular enthusiasm in Peru, where Leo XIV spent over 20 years living and working, and where he was granted citizenship in 2015.

In the capital city of Lima, the sound of jubilant church bells resonated through the streets as citizens celebrated this monumental occasion. The atmosphere was electric as many gathered to express their joy and pride over having one of their own elevated to the papacy.

During his first appearance on the Vatican balcony, Pope Leo XIV made a poignant gesture by switching from Italian to Spanish, addressing the faithful with warmth and affection, stating, “from my beloved diocese of Chiclayo, in Peru,” where he served as bishop for more than a decade. This connection to his roots has resonated deeply with the people of Peru.

Peru’s president, Dina Boluarte, expressed her enthusiasm, calling the election of Leo XIV a “historic” event. She emphasized his deep commitment to Peru, referring to him as a Peruvian “by choice and conviction.” Boluarte commended the new pope for dedicating over twenty years of his life to service within the country, saying, “He chose to be one of us, to live among us and to carry in his heart the faith, culture, and dreams of this country.” Her heartfelt sentiment captured the essence of national pride felt by many Peruvians, declaring, “The pope is Peruvian; God loves Peru.”

However, it is essential to note that Leo XIV, known in his former life as Robert Prevost, has voiced his concerns regarding Boluarte’s government in the past. Earlier in 2023, he expressed his “sadness and pain” over the tragic deaths of 49 protesters during anti-government demonstrations triggered by Boluarte’s ascent to power in December 2022, after the removal of former president Pedro Castillo for attempting to dissolve Congress. Prevost remarked on the unrest, saying, “This conflict does not represent the best of the country,” highlighting the deep-rooted issues faced by Peru’s marginalized populations.

In a striking move that has attracted attention, the new pope also called for former president Alberto Fujimori, who has faced accusations of human rights abuses and corruption, to seek forgiveness from all victims of his administration’s actions. This call for reconciliation came just two days after Fujimori was controversially pardoned in a political deal, after having been re-incarcerated in 2018. Leo XIV’s remarks indicated a desire for a more genuine path to healing, stating, “It would be more effective to ask for forgiveness, personally, for some of the great injustices that were committed and for which he was tried and sentenced.”

The former president, who passed away in 2024, was a divisive figure in Peru, and the pope's comments have added a layer of complexity to the political landscape and discussions surrounding accountability in the region.

Among those celebrating the pope’s election is Rosa María Vílchez, a 49-year-old resident of Lima originally from Chiclayo. She recounted a memorable encounter with Prevost at a church service, stating, “We knew him by name. Today I remembered that when I saw him, and I really felt like crying because he moved me. He transmits a lot of peace.” Vílchez, who was collecting her children from school in the Villa El Salvador neighborhood, expressed hope that the new pope could help stabilize the country, reflecting the deep faith of many Peruvians.

Cecilia Durand, a 55-year-old publisher in Lima, shared her perspective as a non-Catholic, noting, “I’m not Catholic, in fact, there are many things about the church that I am against, but I think this is a good thing for Peru. It’s like winning the World Cup!” Her comments illustrate a broader sense of national pride and optimism that transcends religious affiliations in light of the pope's election.

As the news of Leo XIV's election permeated social media, Peruvians responded with humor and creativity, flooding platforms with memes depicting the pope enjoying ceviche, the nation's iconic dish, and sipping on Inca Kola, a beloved beverage in Peru. Other humorous posts showcased him in the country’s football shirt and a whimsical version of the popemobile transformed into a three-wheeled motorcycle rickshaw, a common mode of transport in many regions.

Colombia’s interior minister, Armando Benedetti, acknowledged the significance of the election, stating that Leo XIV's years spent in Peru reaffirmed his identity as a true Latin American leader. Social media users humorously remarked that the new pope was “more Latino than the entire cast of Emilia Pérez,” referencing a controversial French film that raised eyebrows over its depiction of Mexico.

Prevost’s journey to the papacy began in 1985 when he first arrived in Peru, joining the Augustinian mission in Chulucanas. After returning to the U.S. in 1998 for various roles, he made his way back to Peru in 2014, where he was appointed the apostolic administrator of the diocese of Chiclayo. His continued rise within the Church culminated in his promotion to cardinal in 2024, reflecting a career dedicated to both faith and service.

His commitment to the community is well-documented; Janinna Sesa, who worked with him at the Catholic charity Caritas, praised his dedication, stating that he was the kind of person who would “put on boots and wade through the mud” to help those in need, exemplified by his aid during floods in 2022 that devastated Chiclayo and surrounding areas. Sesa recounted his efforts to deliver food and blankets to remote Andean villages, showcasing his deep commitment to social justice and humanitarian efforts.

However, it is worth noting that observers have highlighted Prevost's challenging relationship with the conservative factions within the Catholic Church in Peru, particularly with the Sodalitium, a far-right lay Catholic sect. This group has faced serious allegations of abuse and corruption for decades, and its dissolution by Pope Francis just before Prevost's election marks a significant shift in the church's stance on justice and accountability.

This moment in history not only signifies a new chapter for the Catholic Church but also represents a potential turning point for Peru itself, as many look to Pope Leo XIV for guidance and leadership amidst ongoing social and political challenges.