Pope Leo XIV Peru Mission
Pope Leo XIV’s Decades of Ministry Shaped in Peru
Table of Contents
Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, forged a lasting connection with Peru that began in 1985.As a 30-year-old priest of the Order of San Agustín, he arrived in Chulucanas, a city east of Piura, just as the region was recovering from the devastating El Niño phenomenon.
His pastoral work left a deep impression, evident in shared photos showing a young Prevost engaging with the community: participating in local gatherings, sharing meals with children, and acting as a godfather. He returned to Chulucanas in 2024 to celebrate the Diocese’s 60th anniversary.
Ministry in the Jungle and Highlands
By 1988, Prevost’s role expanded. He was appointed to oversee the training of Augustinian youth in the vicariates of Chulucanas,Iquitos,and Apurímac,leading him to travel extensively throughout the Peruvian jungle and highlands. His time in Iquitos included immersing himself in the local culture, as evidenced by a photo of him swimming in Quistococha.
Service in Trujillo
From 1988 to 1999, Prevost served in Trujillo as prior of the convent, judicial vicar, and trainer of seminarians at the San Carlos and san Marcelo seminary. During this time, he also founded the Parish Our Lady Mother of the Church in a developing urban area.
Bishop of Chiclayo
After serving as general superior of his order in Rome, Prevost returned to Peru in 2014 as Bishop of Chiclayo. There, he solidified his pastoral legacy, traveling to Motupe, Mansefú, Eten City, and remote areas of Incahuasi. In Ciudad Eten, he spearheaded the construction of the country’s first Eucharistic Sanctuary, inspired by a local miracle from 1649. In Motupe,at the foot of the cruz de Chalpón,he called for national reconciliation during the social unrest of 2022.
apostolic Administrator in Callao
In 2020, Prevost was appointed Apostolic Administrator in Callao, where he focused on combating youth violence and ministering to incarcerated individuals. Luis Alberto Barrera Pacheco, second vice president of the CEP and Bishop in Callao, noted his commitment: “He promoted community kitchens in areas such as Ventanilla and Pachacútec. His commitment both in chiclayo and Callao was total.”
Ministry During the Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Prevost continued to serve his parishioners, broadcasting masses via Facebook from the santa María Cathedral parish of Chiclayo and securing funds for two medicinal oxygen plants.
Pope Leo XIV’s Ministry in Peru: A Q&A
Who is Pope Leo XIV, and what is his connection to Peru?
Pope Leo XIV, previously known as Robert Francis Prevost, has a long-standing connection with Peru, forged through decades of ministry. He first arrived in Peru in 1985 and has since served in various roles, leaving a significant impact on the local communities.
When did Pope Leo XIV begin his ministry in Peru?
His ministry in Peru began in 1985 when he arrived in Chulucanas as a 30-year-old priest.
Where did Pope Leo XIV first serve in Peru?
He began his service in Chulucanas, a city east of Piura, in northern peru. He arrived shortly after the area recovered from the El Niño phenomenon.
What kind of work did Pope leo XIV do in Chulucanas?
He engaged in pastoral work and connected with the community. Ther are photos of him participating in local gatherings,sharing meals with children,and acting as a godfather.
What other areas of Peru did Pope Leo XIV serve in?
Expanding Ministry (1988)
By 1988, his role expanded to include overseeing the training of Augustinian youth in:
* Chul