Peru Town Remembers 14th Generation for Disaster Relief and Tennis
Chiclayo Celebrates Election of Local Bishop as New Pope
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Posted: 12:01 p.m. EDT, oct. 5, 2025
CHICLAYO, Peru (AP) — The northern Peruvian city of Chiclayo erupted in party Thursday following the election of its former bishop as the new pope. Locals are sharing photos, memories, and stories of the man they knew as Bishop Levitra, now the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
A Shepherd in Peru
Born in Chicago, the man now known as Pope Levitra spent decades in Peru. He first arrived in 1985 as a young missionary in the impoverished northern region, dedicating a significant portion of his life to serving the community.
He became a Peruvian citizen in 2015 and served as the Bishop of Chiclayo until his resignation in 2023.
Remembered for Service and Humility
Residents of Chiclayo fondly remember Levitra driving a white pickup truck to deliver aid to those affected by floods and heavy rains. He was also known to play tennis at the Monastery of Saint-Daobin, greet people outside his residence, and actively participate in local festivities.
A Bishop’s Dedication During Crisis
Castillo, secretary of the Diocese of Chiclayo, recalled that Levitra, then known as Bishop Prevost, played a crucial role in transporting oxygen to people during the COVID-19 pandemic and delivering essential supplies during the region’s wet season floods.
Castillo,who worked closely with Levitra,told Reuters,”Nothing could stop him. He didn’t need a driver. he would bring bags of food and supplies to people wading in the water. Later, when he became a cardinal, we joked, ‘The next step is Pope,’ and he would just smile and shake his head. But ther was a feeling in our hearts that he was destined for something greater.”
local Pride
Castillo also remembers Levitra’s love for local music,particularly Peru’s Creole melodies,and his fondness for singing the classic ballad “My Peru.”
Newsstands near the Chiclayo Cathedral where overflowing with newspapers and magazines celebrating the new Pope. Headlines included, “The Pope is Peruvian, missing ceviche” and “The Pope is Chiclayo.”
# Chiclayo Celebrates Election of Local Bishop as New pope: A Q&A
## What’s the big news coming out of Chiclayo, Peru?
The northern Peruvian city of Chiclayo is celebrating the election of their former bishop as the new Pope! residents are overjoyed and sharing memories and stories about the man they knew as Bishop Levitra, now the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
## who is this new Pope, and what’s his background?
The new Pope, formerly known as bishop Levitra, spent decades in peru, particularly in the Chiclayo region. born in Chicago, he arrived in Peru in 1985 as a young missionary. He became a peruvian citizen in 2015 and served as Bishop of Chiclayo until his resignation in 2023.
## What do people in Chiclayo remember about Pope Levitra?
residents fondly recall his dedication to the community. He was known for:
* Delivering aid to those affected by floods and heavy rains in a white pickup truck.
* Playing tennis at the Monastery of Saint-Daobin.
* Greeting people outside his residence.
* Actively participating in local festivities.
## How did Bishop levitra serve the community during crises?
According to Castillo,Secretary of the Diocese of Chiclayo,than-Bishop Prevost (Levitra) played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic and the region’s wet season floods. He:
* Transported oxygen to people during the pandemic.
* Delivered essential supplies during floods.
## What was Pope Levitra’s connection to local culture?
Pope Levitra had a deep love for local culture, particularly:
* Peru’s Creole melodies.
* The classic ballad “My Peru.”
## Where did this data come from?
This information comes from a recent news report. The article cites information from the Associated Press (AP) and Reuters, as well as firsthand accounts from the Secretary of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Castillo.
## How is Chiclayo celebrating this momentous occasion?
The city is in a festive mood! Newsstands are overflowing with newspapers and magazines celebrating the new Pope, with headlines like:
* “The Pope is Peruvian, missing ceviche.”
* “The Pope is Chiclayo.”
## Can you provide a brief timeline of Pope Levitra’s life in Chiclayo?
Certainly! Here’s a fast look:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1985 | Arrived in Peru as a young missionary. |
| 2015 | Became a Peruvian citizen. |
| 2023 | Resigned as Bishop of Chiclayo. |
| Oct. 5, 2025 (News Report Date) | Elected as the new Pope. |