on Thursday appointed Miguel Angel Contreras Llajaruna as Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Callao, Peru, in the first episcopal appointment of his pontificate, the Vatican announced.
Leo XIV —who was a missionary in Peru and served as Bishop of Chiclayo before returning to Rome in 2023— chose a bishop from the South American country for his first appointment.
Contreras Llajaruna was Episcopal Vicar for Consecrated Life in the Diocese of Callao region and Superior of the South America District of the Marist Fathers.
He joined the Marist Fathers' Seminary in Sullana-Piura and completed his studies in Philosophy at the John XXIII Higher Institute of Theological Studies in Lima.
Furthermore, the priest studied Theology at the Salesian Theological Institute of the Risen Christ in Guadalajara, Mexico.
He served as promoter of the Saint Joseph Parish School in Callao (2012–2021), parish priest of the Missionary Virgin (2015–2022), and Episcopal Vicar for Consecrated Life in the Diocese of Callao (since 2021).
Contreras Llajaruna has also held the position of Director General of the network of parish schools of the Diocese of Callao (since 2022) and been Superior of the South America District of the Marist Fathers (since 2022).