The announcement of the first pope from the United States stunned the world on May 8, 2025. But while now Pope Leo XIV calls Chicago his hometown, Chiclayo, Peru holds a special place in the former Cardinal Prevost’s heart. And that South American location greatly contributed to Prevost’s pope preparation.
Prevost’s Peruvian Connection
Born on the South Side of Chicago in 1955, Robert Prevost was ordained in 1982. He later traveled to Peru as a missionary, specifically being assigned to Chulucanas during 1985 and 1986, a mission in the northern part of the country near its border with Ecuador. Prevost returned to Peru in 1988 where he remained in Trujillo until he went back to the US in 1999.
The future pope moved to Peru for a third time in 2014. During this stint, he lived in Chiclayo and served as an apostolic administrator, bishop, and then archbishop. Prevost forged a deep bond with Peruvians and fully embraced the local culture and community, leading him to become a Peruvian citizen in 2015. In all, Prevost dedicated more than twenty years serving as a missionary in Peru before leaving to serve in Rome in 2023.
What To Know About Prevost’s Chiclayo
Chiclayo, located in the coastal Peruvian desert, is actually the fourth-largest city in Peru and one of the financial and commercial capitals of Northern Peru. Because of the city’s strategic geographic location, Chiclayo serves as an automotive and communications hub. It is situated along the Pan-American Highway, and highways connect it to both the Andes Mountains and the Amazon River.
Some 800,000 people inhabit Chiclayo, capital of the Department of Lambayeque, one Peru’s 24 administrative divisions. Additionally, the city serves as the seat of the Diocese of Chiclayo. The Santa Maria Cathedral, built based on designs by Gustave Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame, overlooks the city’s main square. Agriculturally productive lands surround Chiclayo. Tourism also contributes Chiclayo’s economy. The city, a popular tourist destination, offers access to beautiful architecture, top archaeological sites, stunning beaches, and the Laquipampa Wildlife Refuge, home to the jaguarundi puma. The Pacific Ocean sits less than nine miles from Chiclayo, with picturesque beaches such as Playa Pimentel, providing recreational opportunities.
Chiclayo’s Religious History
Even before Prevost’s arrival, Chiclayo enjoyed a long history of service from Roman Catholic priests. In fact, Spanish priests originally founded the city in 1560 as a town for travelers’ passage and rest. Chiclayo grew, and its connection with the church continued. The seat of a diocese, 80% of the town’s population identifies as Catholic.
This Peruvian city will now forever be connected to the Roman Catholic faith with the elevation of Cardinal Robert Prevost to pope. And Pope Leo XIV has not forgotten where he served. On the balcony above St. Peter’s Square when introduced as the new pope, he gave a shoutout to believers in Chiclayo. Speaking Spanish, he referred to “my beloved diocese of Chiclayo, in Peru, where a faithful people have accompanied their bishop and shared their faith.”
Prevost’s Pope Preparation
Time in Chiclayo gave Prevost opportunities to prepare for becoming pope. He attained fluency in Spanish because English is rarely spoken in Chiclayo. American-born Prevost speaks not only his native tongue of English, but also Spanish and Italian. His command of languages enables him to communicate directly with large numbers of the Catholic Church worldwide. His strong connection with Peru, where he holds dual citizenship along with US citizenship, made Cardinal Prevost an attractive candidate to South American members of the College of Cardinals.
Of course, being pope means a life of service and a heart for the poor. Chiclayo once again provided opportunities for strengthening these characteristics. About 20% of Chiclayo’s population lives in poverty. Prevost put his faith in action time and time again for those in his area. Actions he took during intense rains during 2022 and 2023 exemplify his service. The now pope drove a van filled with supplies to rural villages along the La Leche River. He handed out blankets in remote villages, walking through flooded streets to get to those in need. Prevost viewed the Chiclayo area as his home because his heart was there. He once commented to Peruvians that he came “from Chicago to Chiclayo; the only difference is a few letters.”
Prevost’s Lifetime Preparation For Pope
Pope Leo XIV’s years in Chiclayo did not make him the man of God he is today. Nevertheless, his service in this area of Peru refined and expanded his abilities (such as language) and love for his fellow man. It also put him in the position for consideration to serve as the Holy Father. Chiclayo – Prevost’s Pope Preparation.
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