“Peru is key”The recent appointment of Robert Prevost like him New Pope of the Catholic church It has caused a stir in Peru, after it was announced that the elected pontiff has the Peruvian nationality. Prevost, born in Chicago, USA69 years ago, he was chosen in the conclave that concluded with the famous Blanca Fumata of the Sistine chapelin the Vatican, to happen to Papa Franciscowho died on April 21 at age 88.
What further surprised Peruvians is that Prevost became the first American pontiff and the Second from America. His link with Peru It is deep, because for more than 40 years he performed pastoral work in various cities in the country, starting in Chiclayo and then as bishop of that same town.
Throughout his career, Robert Francis Prevost He also worked in the archdiocese of Trujilloestablishing a very strong connection with the local religious community, which led him to process his Peruvian DNI After years of service.
The news that Robert Prevost, chosen as the new Pope XIV liones Peruvian nationalized It has generated a wave of emotion and surprise on social networks. Many Peruvians expressed their pride in the fact that a church man so close to Peru has reached such a high position in the Catholic church.
During his presentation as the new leader of the Catholic church, Robert Prevostwho assumed the name of Pope Leo XIVhe directed a message full of affection and gratitude to his “Dear Diocese of Chiclayo”a place with which it maintains a special connection. In an emotional greeting from the balcony of the San Pedro Basilicathe Pontiff highlighted the support and unwavering faith of the Chiclayan people, by affirming:
“And if you also allow me to greet all those, in particular, to my dear Diocese of Chiclayo, in Peru, where a faithful people have accompanied his bishop, he has shared his faith and has given both to continue being a faithful church of Jesus Christ.”
-
This gesture of affection towards the Peruvian community underlines the deep relationship that Prevost He has with the country, where he exercised much of his ministry, especially in his stage as a bishop in Chiclayo.
In his speech, the Pope Leo XIV He also took the opportunity to call for unity and peace construction, asking everyone to work together to “Build bridges of peace” And, at the same time, looking for the Justice. He affirmed that this process must be carried out without fear, transmitting a message of peaceful hope and coexistence.
The Pope also expressed his recognition and gratitude towards his predecessor, Papa Francisco (Jorge Bergoglio)highlighting his legacy and the work he has left in the church. In his words, he recalled God’s unconditional love towards all: “God loves us all unconditionally.” This message of peace and unity resonates not only with the faithful of Chiclayobut with believers around the world.
The new Pope Robert Prevost He chose to call himself XIV lion To follow one Pope tradition who have adopted this name, which has a strong symbolism. The name “León”, which comes from Latin and means “lion”, is associated with qualities such as courage, strength and leadership. Choosing this name reflects the intention of the potatoes to be firm and guardian leaders of the faith, transmitting the strength and surveillance that the lion represents in many cultures.
This name was first adopted by Leon I The Magnowho led the Catholic church from 440 to 461 and is recognized for its great theological influence and its ability to defend the Church, especially when it met with Atila El Huno to avoid the invasion of Italy in the 5th century. His legacy has been highlighted by later popes, such as Benedict XVIwho described his papacy as one of the most important in the history of the Church.
The choice of XIV lion It also seeks to evoke this legacy of courage, leadership and defense of faith, as the Pope did XIII lion In 1878, who renewed the relationship of the Church with the modern world.
