Trusting in the work of the Holy Spirit at the Conclave, we welcome our new Pope Leo XIV. Born Robert Prevost in Chicago, USA, he belongs to the Augustinian religious congregation. But what drew the attention of Pope Francis when he appointed him cardinal in September 2023 is the fact that he spent 20 years as a missionary in Peru. Pope Leo XIV calls it a ‘formative experience.’
He hails from the Americas, not just the US. He has dual citizenship of the USA and Peru and speaks several languages. … He began his work in Peru in an Augustinian mission in Chulucanas, Piura, Peru. He inserted himself into the lives of the people, becoming one with them and even learning the indigenous language Quecha. He spent 11 years doing missionary work with the poor people of Peru.
He was the bishop of Chiclayo (2015-2023), when he was called to the Vatican by Pope Francis to serve in the Curia in 2023. It is clear that Pope Francis knew of him and his work and chose him because he wanted someone who was close to his people. He clearly is a man who has the “smell of the sheep.”
In his mission work in Peru, he inserted himself into the living conditions of the poorest becoming one with them, believing that leadership is about presence not position. A man with a heart not of power.
South American theologian Leonardo Boff commented, “I confess that I was surprised by the appointment of the American-Peruvian Cardinal Prevost to the supreme pontificate of the Church. It was because of my ignorance. Then, when I learned better, I realized that he can really be a guarantee of the continuity of Pope Francis’ legacy. He won’t have his charisma, but he will be himself, more content and shy, but very consistent with his social positions.”
Boff continued, “Not without reason did Pope Francis call him from his diocese of the poor in Peru for an important role in the Vatican administration. Leo XIV lived much of his life outside the United States, for many years as a missionary and then as a bishop in Peru, where he certainly gained great experience of another culture and the poor social situation of the majority of the population. He acknowledged he identified himself with that town to the point of naturalizing himself as Peruvian.”
Pope Leo XIV stated that his work in the Dicastery of Bishops gave him the experience of the global Church consisting of 5000 dioceses and prelatures. He came to know all the bishops as well as the social, economic and political situations in which they worked and this has prepared him for his present role as leader of the global Catholic Church.
While in his official position at the Vatican, he had frequent talks with Pope Francis, which helped him understand the position and the thrust of Pope Francis’ work and direction in the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis elevated him to the position of cardinal in September 2023 with the possibility of him joining the next conclave to vote for and even become the next pope, which he did!
In October 2023, Francis appointed him as president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America as well as member of seven more dicasteries and also named him to the Pontifical Commission for the Vatican City State. His work at the Vatican was heavy but one can say, prepared him for his role as Pope.
The choice of his name, is significant as Pope Leo XIII was the Pope who gave us Rerum Novarum, the first social justice encyclical that addressed the rights and duties of Capital and Labour. Leo is also believed to be the name of St Francis of Assisi’s close friend.
His closeness to the poor bodes well for Asia, which is also a continent of the poor and exploitation of labour. He is believed to have visited several countries in Asia during his tenure as head of the Augustinian congregation including India and the Philippines.
Pope Leo XIV has declared that he will follow the Synodal path begun by Pope Francis. That is good news, as we hope it will lead to the reform of the structure of the Church. …
Pope Leo XIV has the qualities of a hard-working, understanding and listening person. With our prayers and support he should be able to steer the Church through the tumultuous times we live in to bring the world to live in peace with justice for the poor and equality for those who continue to feel marginalized in the Catholic Church.
- By Virginia Saldanha, Matters India
