- On May 8, 2025, the conclave elected Augustinian bishop Robert Francis Prevost as the new Pope, known as Leo XIV.
- The new Pope, born in Chicago and a naturalized Peruvian citizen, surprised the world by delivering part of his first address in perfect Spanish, specifically thanking his former diocese of Chiclayo, Peru.
- Having served in Peru for nearly 40 years, the Pope is deeply connected to the country and holds voting rights for the 2026 Peruvian presidential elections.
Background and Connection to Peru
- Appointed Bishop of Chiclayo by Pope Francis in 2015, he served in cities including Piura, Chulucanas, and Trujillo.
- Local parishioners remember him as humble and exceptionally close to the youth.
- In Chiclayo, residents fondly recall his favorite table at a local restaurant where he ate the traditional pork dish "frito de chancho" while viewing the cathedral.
Local Impact and Cultural Response
- Social media users in Peru quickly flooded platforms with memes highlighting the Pope's dual nationality.
- Textile merchants in Lima's "Gamarra empire" launched Pope-themed merchandise within 24 hours of his election.
- Media outlets like El Comercio requested personal photographs of the Pope from the public to document his history in the region.
- When asked by a Peruvian journalist about a potential visit, the Pope expressed hope that he would be able to visit Chiclayo.