As a dual citizen of the United States and Peru, Pope Leo XIV’s ascension to the papacy May 8 has swelled the pride of Catholics in both countries.
“There is a palpable excitement within the Catholic community,” said Peruvian native Jorge Salgado, who serves as diocesan regional coordinator for Hispanic and migrant ministries in Monroe and Livingston counties.
The former Cardinal Robert Prevost is the first pontiff with U.S. roots and the second consecutive pope to hail in some manner from Latin America. The late Pope Francis was a native of Argentina, whereas Pope Leo XIV — though born and raised in this country — was Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, from 2015-23. He previously served as an Augustinian missionary in that South American country (1985-86 and 1988-99) as well.
New pope is a seasoned advocate for the poor
Salgado noted that the new pope takes over leadership of the worldwide Catholic Church as a seasoned advocate for the impoverished.
“When Pope Leo XIV was a bishop, he dedicated his life to serving those in need, constantly seeking out the poorest communities in his diocese,” Salgado said. “Whether journeying to remote villages or engaging with local families facing economic hardship, his approach was grounded in presence and advocacy. He understood that true evangelization goes beyond mere words; it requires tangible acts of love and support.”
Regarding his acquisition of Peruvian citizenship in 2015, Salgado commented, “In this way, Pope Leo XIV became more than just a religious leader; he became a cultural ambassador, promoting understanding and unity among different communities. His approach encouraged loyalty from his followers, as they felt seen and valued in their entirety — body, mind and spirit.”
“A North American missionary like him, who opens himself to a cultural reality totally different from his own, creates a living and rich synthesis of two worlds,” added Father Jesús Flores, diocesan coordinator of migrant ministry and a native of Mexico.
Father Brendan Buckley, OFM Cap., agreed that Leo XIV’s background equips him with a special sensitivity for people in need.
“He walked with the people of Peru and in that journey, became a citizen and, in a very real sense, was a migrant. Who better could understand the struggles of immigrants as they attempt to navigate their way in a foreign land? He stands shoulder to shoulder with all the immigrants we serve here in the Diocese of Rochester and throughout our country,” said Father Buckley, who performs migrant ministry in the Rochester Diocese’s southeast region.
Pope’s choice of name seems to be a nod to Pope Leo XIII’s mission
Father Jorge Ramírez remarked that the pope’s choice of name is a nod to the mission of Pope Leo XIII, who in his pontificate from 1878 to 1903 “worked as a bridge between the traditions of the church and a world that was changing very quickly.”
Father Ramírez, a native of Colombia, added that Latin America continues to be influenced by Leo XIII’s social-justice teachings to this day. “Using Leo XIV is suggesting that he will work for a social justice that our society needs,” he said of the new pope. “The first American and, at the same time, the second Latin American pope will work for the necessity of everyone because he knows very well our reality.”
Father Ramírez, pastor of Webster’s Holy Trinity Parish, added that he was elated at the announcement that Cardinal Prevost had been elected pope by his fellow cardinals.
“I, as a Latin American priest who is working in the Diocese of Rochester, am very happy for seeing how the Holy Spirit is present in the church,” he said. “His pontificate will have many challenges, but with our prayers he will be able to face each one of them.”
“Many believe he will carry forward the legacy of Pope Francis, emphasizing synodality, environmental stewardship and a preferential option for the poor,” Salgado added. “This new pope’s reflections on social issues and his pastoral care resonate with the realities faced by many communities today. His commitment to being close to the marginalized will likely foster a newfound sense of unity within the church, allowing the faithful to identify with their leadership in ways that have not been fully realized before.”
Church and world given ‘a tremendous gift’
Father Buckley recalled that “like everyone else, I was stunned by the news that our new pope was born in the USA.” However, he said that “as we started to get additional information, it became more and more clear to me that the cardinals in Rome, guided by the Holy Spirit, had given the church and the world a tremendous gift. He is destined to be a pope for our time, a pope that will assist the church to continue to fulfill the mission of Jesus Christ to ‘make disciples of all nations.’”
