03:30 | Chiclayo, may. 11.
By Maira Flores RodriguezThousands of faithful gathered on the evening of last Saturday, in front of the Chiclayo Cathedral for the Thanksgiving Mass for Pope Leo XIV.
Priests, nuns, parish groups, authorities, young people, and children euphorically joined in this liturgical event celebrating the appointment of Robert Prevost, a Peruvian national, as leader of the Catholic Church.
The current Bishop of Chiclayo, Monsignor Edinson Farfán Córdova, led the mass and during his homily highlighted Robert Prevost's sensitivity to social justice and the pursuit of the common good.
"Today we want to thank the Risen Lord for having given us this Thursday, May 8, a new Successor of Peter, a Vicar of Christ: Pope Leo XIV. It is a profound joy for our diocese, for the Church in Peru, for all of America and the Caribbean, and of course the universal Church," the bishop said during the religious ceremony.
"He is a shepherd with the smell of sheep; he knew them, was very close, and always sensitive to the needs of human beings," he added.
- Pope Leo XIV: Robert Prévost arrived in Chulucanas, Peru in 1985
He also noted that Leo XIV is an example of what a shepherd should be: he walks with the people, sometimes in front, sometimes in the middle, sometimes behind.
"A good shepherd must move like this: in front to guide, in the middle to encourage and not forget the smell of the flock, and behind because the people also have an instinct to find their lost path," he emphasized.
The faithful, who carried images of the new pope in their hands, reaffirmed the bishop's words with effusive applause.
"Today we pray for the pontificate of Leo XIV, who has taught us to live in the Gospel through closeness to the young and most vulnerable, to those who suffer, migrants and refugees, a man sensitive to social justice," said the Bishop of Chiclayo.
"That is why he bears the name Leo XIV, in appreciation of Leo XIII, who has been considered the precursor of the Church's social doctrine," he added.
He also emphasized that these characteristics are examples of the signs of the times to come during his term: sensitivity to the sick and human suffering. In his homily, he recalled his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"You are witnesses to what this pastor did in this difficult time. He is a pastor who listens and engages in dialogue, like a good Augustinian, who has a rich spirituality grounded in interiority and communion, who invites us to put justice into practice. Without him, we can do nothing," he said.
To close his speech, Bishop Farfán Córdova noted that Leo XIV is prepared and capable of governing, with a big heart, open to welcoming all.
"I am sure the Pope will encourage us to rise up when we are going through difficult times because hope does not disappoint. May the Holy Spirit always accompany and strengthen him," he emphasized.
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Published: 5/11/2025