New Pope Leo XIV: Peruvian ties and youthful vision

Cardinal Robert Prevost, born in 1955 in Chicago, has been elected as pope, taking the name Leo XIV. His election has been met with joy in Peru, where he worked for many years as a missionary of the Augustinian Order. Prevost holds both American and Peruvian citizenship.

Prevost began serving Peru in the 1980s, and his activities spanned many roles, from missionary to vice president of the Episcopal Conference of Peru. Peruvian media highlight his close ties with the country, recalling that, in 2014, he received a Peruvian ID card.

"He is strongly connected with Peru. He is one of us. He is a Peruvian," commented the broadcasters, quoted by the Polish Press Agency.

The new pope earned recognition in Peru for his closeness to ordinary people and for "developing innovative projects serving the youth". His activities in Peru were widely commented on, and photos from that period, such as one depicting him with a monstrance on empty streets during the pandemic, have already become symbolic.

Commentators in Peru show no restraint in their joy over Prevost's election as pope. His election is seen as a symbolic connection between two continents. A newspaper published in the capital of Peru emphasises that although Prevost is an American, he is not significantly connected with the American Church, as he went to Peru just three years after his priestly ordination.

The election of Leo XIV presents a new chapter for the Church, which may bring a fresh perspective on many issues. His experience working with the youth and innovative approach could influence the Church's future activities.