Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert, is the first American pope in history. His ascendance to the papacy has recently sparked a torrent of pride and nostalgia among the people of Chiclayo, Peru. His subsequent ascent to the papacy has inspired a look back on his profoundly influential term as archbishop of the region. It has fueled debates over the future trajectory of the Catholic Church in particular with regard to conservative and progressive notions.
Born and raised in the United States, Pope Leo XIV developed a deep connection with Peru during his years as a bishop. The American accent he fought to keep was still very much intact, a fact observed by local priest Emerson Lizana. It was perhaps his tireless dedication to fighting against social injustices that cemented his reputation among the faithful in Chiclayo. He engaged directly with local NGOs, churches, and religious organizations to provide service to the people who needed them the most.
Pope Leo XIV refused to stop at local communities. He made a bold move to provide protection and temporary status to Venezuelan migrants fleeing political upheaval and economic collapse in their country of origin. His humanitarian focus paints him as a progressive leader in the Church. Many are hoping that he will be an ideological successor to Pope Francis.
As an Augustinian priest, Leo was tireless in fostering good pastoral care and having the Church serve the community. He often passed through Chiclayo with altar boy Nicanor Palacios, who vividly recalled their shared moments.
“It wasn’t hard for him to fit in. There was a small village back then, called Kilometer 50, on the Pan-American Highway. He’d take us there for dry meat and fried plantains. He liked that type of stuff and liked to go to the country. He’d eat just like a northern Peru farmer: yucca, fried fish, maybe a bite of fried meat.” – Nicanor Palacios
Palacios remembered the incredible impression Leo had made on so many of the young people in the community.
“What I liked most was his advice, because many young people, even back then, they would get lost, but he was just a young man, 24 or 25 years old, very serious and full of advice,” – Nicanor Palacios
While he was bishop, Pope Leo XIV took a vigorous interest in visiting many of the city’s most destitute neighborhoods. He even walked with a cross through the empty streets during the COVID-19 pandemic. This dedication to helping those in need has made a permanent impact on the congregants who’ve witnessed their work.
“The way he treated people, his presence enveloped you in a sense of trust. He had a Latin American heart,” – Emerson Lizana
His tenure as bishop has been anything but scandal-free. Three of those women have accused him of re-victimizing them by not thoroughly investigating allegations of sexual abuse perpetrated by a local priest. These troubling allegations have already raised deeply serious questions about his leadership and accountability within the Church.
Yet in the face of these difficulties, banners with Leo’s beaming visage filled the streets of Chiclayo, welcoming his appointment as pope. Congregants broke out into chants of “Pope! Friend! The people are with you! Their joyous cheers demonstrated the deep respect and affection that scores of people have for the man.
His rise to papacy has renewed fears as to how far Peru is descending into the grip of religious conservatism. Many worry that his papacy will strengthen ultra-conservatism and fundamentalism in the Catholic Church.
“What I hope is that Leo can be a pope who becomes a sign of unity for the church: we can always do better, through dialogue and understanding, both inside our Church and with other religions,” – Friar Pipé
The honor of being the first American pope has deep ramifications for both the Catholic Church and world Catholicism. As discussions unfold around his leadership style and doctrinal stances, many are eager to see how Pope Leo XIV will navigate these challenges.
Friar Pipé remarked on the unique opportunity presented by Leo’s papacy:
“For us Augustinians, God is the truth, and for us searching for the truth is searching for God,” – Friar Pipé
Under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, a new chapter has begun. Many are optimistic that he will mend divisions within the Church and address modern-day issues that impact Catholics around the globe.
“When Benedict was the Pope, Germany won the World Cup. Then Francis was the Pope, and Argentina won… now, Robert is Pope; either Peru or the USA are going to win the World Cup.” – Friar Pipé
