From Chiclayo to the Vatican: Peruvians celebrate Pope Leo XIV's election
Chiclayo, Peru, erupts in celebration after Robert Prevost is elected Pope Leo XIV. The city that welcomed him as bishop celebrates this historic moment for the Church and the country.
While many celebrated, the announcement of Robert Prevost’s election as Pope Leo XIV; Chiclayo a Peruvian city north of the country has been euphoric since the announcement. Young and older people alike are celebrating the new pope as a victory not only for Chiclayo, but the whole Peruvian country.
But why does a far away city celebrates a pope born in the United States? Here are all the details.
Chiclayo's celebration of Pope Leo XIV
Before becoming the new pontiff and adopting the name of Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost was an Augustinian missionary who came to Peru just after finishing his studies, almost four decades ago. Eventually he would become the bishop of the city of Chiclayo, after Pope Francis gave him the responsibility, winning over the hearts of everyone in the city with his well tempered nature and kindness.
Pope Leo XIV fixing up a plate of traditional Chiclayo food. Photo: LR composition/ AFP/ X: @raulgtzoficial
After Leo XIV was announced as the new pope, the city’s main square and streets were filled with excitement, and even today, almost 3 days after, the euphoria still does not die down. In Peru, many are still celebrating, and even young adults are sharing photos and videos of when Prevost gave them the sacrament of confirmation when he was still in Chiclayo.
A young woman posted a video of her Sunday school class with Pope Leo XIV on it: Photo: LR composition/ TikTok/ @andrearcalmet
Many merchants in the country are also selling t-shirts with the face of the new pope with Peruvian motives in the textile emporium of Gamarra in the Capital.
Peruvians sell t-shirts with Pope Leo XIV's fave and Peruvian motives. Photo: CONNIE FRANCE / AFP
Why do Peruvians love Pope Leo XIV?
Peruvians love for the new pope is well deserved, because even when the new pontiff was born in Chicago, he always showed a deep connection with the Peruvian Catholic Church. His commitment was so big, he even solicited a dual citizenship and is legally also a Peruvian citizen since 2015.
Pope Leo XIV, (then Cardinal Robert Prevost) in one of his lasts visits to Chiclayo-Peru in 2024. Photo: Paul Sunción/Andina
Peruvian President Dina Boluarte even congratulated the new pontiff in a press conference, praising him for his dedication towards the people of Chiclayo and stated that his appointment as the new leader of the Catholic Church is a testament to God's goodwill to the country: "God loves Peru".
