Suddenly, the bells rang out and the churches in Peru began to receive excited faithful for the election of Pope Leo XIV, the American who also chose to be Peruvian and left the memory of a man close to the needy. 'He is a good man even with the bad,' recalls Father Juan de Dios Rojas, 73, about the then Bishop Robert Prevost during his passage through El Callao, the port near Lima. He highlights the coincidence of Leo XIV with Francis in defending the environment and his zeal for justice to the victims of abuses committed by members of the clergy. 'He is very careful in his treatment and seeks to reach the needy through all means,' the priest tells AFP. His chapel, Santa María de la Reconciliación, opened its doors with an unusual jubilation. The photo of the new Catholic leader will be displayed and there will be a special ceremony of gratitude tonight. Prevost, 69, from Chicago, arrived in Peru four decades ago. Before becoming bishop of Chiclayo in 2015, he adopted Peruvian nationality. As bishop, Francis sent him on a special mission to El Callao in 2020. 'From Chicago to Chiclayo,' the American embassy summarized the double nationality of the leader of the Catholic Church on its social media. In his first speech at the Vatican, Leo XIV briefly spoke in Spanish to remember his 'beloved diocese of Chiclayo,' where the 'faithful people' gave 'so much' to 'continue being a faithful Church of Jesus Christ.' Prevost left Peru in 2023 to take on new responsibilities at the Vatican. - Continuing the work of Francis - The bells also rang out in Lima Cathedral. The conclave's decision caught many faithful by surprise. Some of them even did not know about the double nationality of the new leader of the Catholic Church. 'The Pope is Peruvian; it's a sign that God is sending someone who will solve the country's problems. He eats ceviche, macaroni, bean stew with lamb, anticuchos! He will surpass Pope Francis,' said Salvador Oliva Ramos, a 75-year-old retiree, to AFP. Other faithful displayed large Peruvian flags outside the cathedral. Inside the complex, the image of the new pope's first message was projected throughout the day on a screen. 'I cried with joy when I heard, it's a blessing for Peruvians. Although he was born in the United States, he lived in Peru for many years,' said lawyer Carolina Flores, 38, to AFP. 'Hearing his speech is the continuation of Francis, we're happy,' she added at the foot of Lima Cathedral, where a group of faithful gathered after learning of the Vatican's vote. Among the faithful, the names of Leo XIV and his predecessor seemed to merge. 'Let's have faith that he will follow the legacy of Francis, I love that he speaks Spanish,' added Chilean tourist Josefa Fuenzalida.
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