On May 8, 2025, history was written in Vatican City as Robert Francis Prevost was elected pope, taking the name Leo XIV and becoming the first American ever to lead the Roman Catholic Church. But while his election made global headlines, in Peru, he was already a revered figure — affectionately known as the “Saint of the North” for his compassion and hands-on service to the poor during his years as a missionary and bishop.
In the flood-ravaged regions of northern Peru, it wasn’t uncommon to see Prevost trudging through mud-soaked roads to deliver aid. His deep connection to the people went far beyond symbolic gestures. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when hospitals in Peru were overwhelmed and oxygen supplies critically low, it was Prevost who led the push to secure oxygen production plants — not just one, but two — saving countless lives.
“He fought hard to find help and wouldn’t stop until it arrived,” recalled Janinna Sesa, who worked with him at Caritas, a Catholic relief organization. “He even knew how to repair broken-down trucks — he made sure things worked, no matter what.”
Prevost’s blend of humility, practical skills, and pastoral dedication caught the attention of Pope Francis, who appointed him as bishop of Chiclayo in 2014. In 2023, he was brought to Rome to head the influential Vatican office responsible for selecting bishops — one of the highest-ranking positions in the Church hierarchy.
Now as Pope Leo XIV, he brings not only decades of pastoral experience but also a reputation for deep empathy and action-driven leadership. His election signals both continuity with Pope Francis’ vision and a renewed focus on compassion, service, and connection with the grassroots of the global Catholic community.
For the people of Peru, especially in Chiclayo, the man they knew as a humble servant now stands at the helm of the Catholic Church — but to many, he will always be the man who walked through floodwaters to stand with them in their darkest hours.