The new Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, in his first words as head of the Catholic Church, sent a greeting in spanish to his "beloved diocese of Chiclayo."
The protodeacon, the Frenchman Dominique Mamberti, announced his appointment with the traditional Latin formula "Habemus papam" from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
"And if you will allow me a word, a greeting to all those, and in a particular way to my beloved diocese of Chiclayo in Peru," said an emotional Pope Leo XIV, before thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican.
Thousands of people from different parts of the world came to Rome to receive and hear the first words of the new head of the Catholic Church worldwide.
Prévost has held Peruvian nationality since 2015, when he registered with the National Renewal (Reniec) (National Registry of Catholic Bishops) and has a valid National Identity Document (DNI) registered in Chiclayo, the city where he served as bishop.
On November 3, 2014, Pope Francis appointed Robert Prévost as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, elevating him to the dignity of bishop and assigning him the titular diocese of Sufar.
On November 7, he took canonical possession of the diocese in the presence of Apostolic Nuncio James Patrick Green; he was ordained bishop on December 12, the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in the cathedral of his diocese.
He has served as Bishop of Chiclayo since November 26, 2015, and in March 2018, he assumed the position of Second Vice President of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference until 2023.
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(END) MAO / MDV
Published: 5/8/2025