Memories of Pope Leo XIV in Chiclayo, Peru
The city of Chiclayo in northern Peru is abuzz with excitement following the election of Pope Leo XIV, its most famous former resident. Born in Chicago but having spent decades in Peru, Pope Leo XIV left an indelible mark on the community. He first arrived in 1985 as a young missionary and became a Peruvian citizen in 2015 when appointed bishop of Chiclayo, a position he held until 2023.
Locals fondly remember the then-bishop Robert Prevost driving a white pickup truck to help those affected by floods and heavy rain. He played tennis in his free time at the local Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo monastery and was known for greeting people outside his official residence and celebrating local holidays. ‘Nothing could get in his way,’ recalled Zury Castillo, secretary of the Chiclayo diocese. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he helped get oxygen to people and delivered supplies during the wet-season floods.
The Pope’s connection to the local community ran deep. At a nearby restaurant, Las Americas, he was known to eat with other members of the clergy and was supportive of the city’s youth. The restaurant even claimed that their fried chicken chicharrón with homemade sauce was his favorite dish. ‘The Pope ate here,’ read a sign outside, reflecting the local pride in their connection to the new pontiff.
As news of his election spread, locals celebrated with headlines like ‘The pope is Peruvian and misses ceviche’ and ‘The pope is Chiclayano.’ For many, Pope Leo XIV’s appointment brought joy and a sense of pride. Marisela Roalcaba, a 73-year-old retiree, expressed her delight that the new pope had spoken some Spanish during his first speech and greeted ‘his beloved Chiclayo.’
The memories of Pope Leo XIV’s time in Chiclayo paint a picture of a man deeply connected to the community, known for his humility and service. As the global Roman Catholic Church looks to its new leader, the people of Chiclayo take pride in their role in shaping the person he has become.
