Pope Leo XIV: Why did Peruvian President Dina Boluarte celebrated the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost?

We officially have a new pontiff and is Pope Leo XIV, previously known as Cardinal Robert Prevost. Obviously, these news have made their way around the world and many of the leaders of the world have congratulated the new pontiff, specially in the U.S., as Leo XIV is the first American pope in history. Donald Trump and ex-president Barack Obama have both send their regards to the new pope and congratulated him for making history.

However, in Peru, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte not only congratulated Pope Leo XIV for his new achievement, but he also referred to him as the "first Peruvian Pope".

ALSO SEE: Pope Leo XIV: Trump congratulates Cardinal Robert Prevost as first American pope

Pope Leo XIV’s Peruvian citizenship

Pope Leo XIV’s ties to Peru are very deep. While he was born in Chicago, his ecclesiastical work took him to South America - Peru as an Augustinian missionary. Because of this, he sought the Peruvian citizenship in 2015.

In Chiclayo, a Peruvian city at the north of the country, he had the role of an apostolic administrator since 2014 and later as bishop of the diocese since 2015. Even in his celebratory speech as the new pope, Leo XIV remembered the city of Chiclayo and thanked them for their support throughout all these years.

ALSO SEE: Pope Leo XIV urges global peace and unity in first address as first American Pontiff

Dina Boluarte’s response to Leo XIV’s papacy

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte shared her immense joy and pride following the election, calling it a "historic moment for Peru and the world." While highlighting Leo XIV’s deep connection with the Latin American country, she described him as a man who "chose to live among us". Boluarte said this because the new pope, while born in the U.S., has a Peruvian citizenship.

Boluarte also praised all the work he did while he was in Peru, where he spent over 40 years working alongside local communities.