Pope Leo XIV began his pontificate with a grand mass at St. Peter’s Square, where he received the Palio and the Fisherman’s Ring symbols of papal authority and his mission as a “fisher of men.” His leadership starts amid great anticipation, with many hoping he will continue the inclusive, youth-focused vision of his predecessor, Pope Francis. As only the second Pope from the Americas, Leo XIV has drawn attention from around the world.
Though born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV expressed a deep connection to Latin America. He delivered a message in Spanish, thanking the people of Chiclayo, Peru a community where he lived and served for many years. His relationship with Peru, which began in 1985, has profoundly shaped much of his ministry.
Recently, Pope Leo XIV reflected on his time in Peru, hinting that his path to the Vatican had been foretold decades earlier. This suggests that his journey to the papacy was part of a long unfolding plan, whether guided by faith or destiny.
Whether through faith or foresight, Pope Leo XIV’s rise appears to have been a carefully guided journey, one that has prepared him well to lead the Catholic Church into the future.