The newly-appointed personal secretary of Pope Leo XIV, 36-year-old Peruvian priest Edgard Ivan Rimaycuna, made his first public appearance on Wednesday at the Vatican during the audience with the Eastern Churches on the occasion of their Jubilee in the Paul VI Hall.
In 2006, Rimaycuna —then an aspiring priest— joined the Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo Major Seminary in Chiclayo and met Prevost, whom everyone then called "Father Roberto."
Prevost became his spiritual father and wanted Rimaycuna to work with him after he was ordained bishop, in the Cathedral of Saint Mary of Chiclayo.
He had already been seen during Pope Leo XIV’s first visits outside the Vatican walls, but he was not present at the audience with journalists on May 12.
Therefore, today marked his first official appearance, arriving alongside him at the audience, adjusting the microphone, handing him the pages of the speech, and sitting beside him.
Those who knew Cardinal Robert Prevost well say it was very clear that the Peruvian priest would remain as secretary during the pontificate as well, given the strong bond that unites them.
Rimaycuna —who is originally from Chiclayo— wrote in 2023, when Prevost was ordained cardinal, "Thank you very much, Monsignor Robert Prevost, for everything, for allowing me to work by your side, but above all for your friendship and trust. To my Bishop, my friend. Safe travels and a big hug! Oremus ad invicem!"
It was at the beginning of 2025, with Pope Leo XIV's pontificate underway, that he received the call which would mark a turning point in his life: to join the Supreme Pontiff’s closest circle as his personal secretary.
"I left Chiclayo with (a sense of) nostalgia, but with the certainty that I will continue working alongside a friend and guide for the sake of the Church," said Rimaycuna upon departing for the Vatican, in an act that symbolizes the trust and hope in the future of the Church in Peru and worldwide.
This appointment not only reflects Pope Leo XIV's vision of building a Church led by young people with vocation, preparation, and deep roots, but also highlights the talent and vocation of a Chiclayo-born priest who today holds a privileged place in the history of the universal Church.
