CHICLAYO, Peru – Pope Leo XIV’s Chiclayo years continue to capture the hearts of locals and visitors alike. This small northern city in Peru buzzed with excitement as residents recalled their beloved former bishop who now leads the global Roman Catholic Church.
Born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV spent much of his life in Peru, arriving in 1985 as a young missionary in the region. Over the decades, he grew deeply connected to the people and culture, eventually becoming a Peruvian citizen in 2015 when he was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo. He faithfully served the community there until 2023.
Pope Leo XIV’s Chiclayo service and warmth
People in Chiclayo fondly remember him driving a white pick-up truck to deliver aid during floods and heavy rains. He wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty, personally distributing food and supplies to those in need. Zury Castillo, secretary of the diocesan office, shared how the then-Bishop Robert Prevost tirelessly helped during the COVID-19 crisis, securing oxygen and relief for many.
“Nothing could stop him,” Castillo recalled. “He didn’t wait for a driver—he went out himself and offered help even in difficult conditions.”
Outside of his duties, Pope Leo XIV’s Chiclayo years were marked by simple joys. He played tennis at the local monastery and celebrated festivals with the community. His love for Peruvian Creole music was evident as he often sang classics like “Mi Perú” and “Alma, corazón y vida.”
Local favorite dishes and heartfelt memories
In the city, restaurants proudly display signs proclaiming, “The pope ate here.” One eatery offers Frito Chiclayano, a fried pork breakfast with potatoes and onion relish, said to be his favorite. Nearby, another restaurant boasts the fried chicken chicharrón with homemade sauce that Pope Leo XIV often enjoyed.
Rodrigo Cuoto, the manager of one such restaurant, recalled how the bishop supported local youth and always shared wise advice. “He told me to always do good, be thankful, and trust in God,” Cuoto said. He also spoke fondly of the pope’s close relationship with his grandmother, the restaurant’s founder, who celebrated birthdays with church friends and stayed connected with him even on WhatsApp.
The pope’s personal touch in Chiclayo
Marisela Roalcaba, a 73-year-old retiree, expressed pride that the new pope greeted “his beloved Chiclayo” in his first speech, speaking some Spanish to connect with locals. Inside the cathedral, faithful like Cecilia Pataz remembered the bishop as a warm and loving father figure during his years of service.
“We loved him then, and we still do,” she said, reflecting the deep bond between Pope Leo XIV and the people of Chiclayo.