In his first words as Pope Francis’ successor, uttered from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, Leo said, “Peace be with you,

Monseñor Robert” helped the poor, trekked into the Andes and spread his faith. “He always provided words of hope.”

By Alek Buttermann The election of US Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, as the new head of the Catholic Church has placed Peru under an unexpected international spotlight. Prevost, an American-born cardinal who holds Peruvian nationality,