**’God Loves Peru’: The Celebrate New Pope as One of Their Own**
The appointment of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV has sparked immense pride and celebration among Peruvians, who view him as a compatriot leading the Catholic Church. The mood was jubilant as news spread across the nation that a native of Peru had ascended to such a prominent position within the Church. On May 8, 2025, people gathered in various locations, including Lima’s Cathedral, waving celebratory banners and sharing their joy at the announcement.
During his initial address as Pope, Leo XIV began in Italian but quickly switched to Spanish, addressing his “dear Diocese of Chiclayo” and reinforcing his connection to Peru. Prevost, who has resided and worked in Peru for many years, officially became a citizen of the country before being appointed the bishop of Chiclayo in 2014 by Pope Francis. This connection has made him a symbol of pride for many Peruvians, with citizens expressing that his appointment represents their nation on a global stage.
Isabel Panez, an elementary school teacher, articulated this pride succinctly: “For us Peruvians, it is a source of pride that this is a pope who represents our country.” The celebration was palpable, with church bells ringing across the nation in acknowledgment of this historic event. Prevost himself often reflected on his deep ties to Peru, referring to it as “mi segunda patria”—meaning “my second homeland.”
The president of Peru, Dina Boluarte, further emphasized the sense of national pride, calling the new Pope “Peruvian by choice and conviction.” Her assertion that “God loves Peru” resonates deeply with many who view Prevost’s ascension as a blessing for their country.
Born in Chicago in 1955 to parents of French, Italian, and Spanish descent, Prevost’s journey in faith began with his studies in theology and canon law. He was first sent to Peru in 1985 by the Church, where he found a home working in various missions. This deep immersion in the culture and community of Peru cultivated his affinity for the people and their traditions. His significant contributions to the region include the establishment of oxygen-production plants during the COVID-19 pandemic and direct humanitarian efforts, including food distribution to affected communities.
However, Prevost’s record is not without controversy. He faces scrutiny over allegations related to his handling of sexual abuse cases from his time as Bishop of Chiclayo. In recent years, some women have come forward claiming he did not adequately investigate reports of abuse by priests. This issue presents a significant challenge for the new Pope, as he assumes his role at the helm of the global Catholic Church amidst calls for accountability and reform.
Prevost’s deep-rooted understanding of the issues facing Peru has been noted by those familiar with his work. Edinson Farfán, the Bishop of Chiclayo since 2024, described Prevost as someone closely aligned with Pope Francis’s legacy of compassion and commitment to helping the impoverished. He believes Prevost will carry forward a message of hope, especially for the young in Peru, who may feel disconnected from the Church.
As excitement continues in anticipation of what Prevost will achieve as Pope, many followers hope he will prioritize unity, social justice, and the need for a Church that embraces all. His unique background, previous experiences, and relationships built during his years in Peru position him favorably to address current challenges and reshape the narrative of the Catholic Church within the nation and beyond.
The atmosphere in Peru remains electric as citizens await to see how their new pope will utilize his platform to uplift the voices of the marginalized. This historic moment serves as a reminder of the powerful bond between religious leadership and local identity, illustrating how faith can shape communities and inspire hope even in challenging times.