Leo XIV, the “Saint of the North”: A Missionary Pope Rooted in Peru and America

The first American pope is a humble servant of the poor with deep ties to Latin America

With the election of Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, the Catholic Church has entered a historic new chapter. Born in Chicago, yet a naturalized Peruvian citizen and longtime missionary, Pope Leo XIV bridges continents, cultures, and communities. In Peru, he is affectionately known as the “Saint of the North” — a title earned through tireless service to the poor and suffering.

A missionary spirit forged in the mud of Peru

Long before ascending to the papacy, Prevost was revered in the Peruvian region of Chiclayo. During devastating floods, he personally waded through mud to bring food and aid to remote communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he spearheaded the fundraising and logistics needed to purchase not one but two oxygen production plants.

“He worked so hard to find help, that there was not only enough for one plant, but for two,” recalled Janinna Sesa, who worked for Caritas at the time. “He has no problem fixing a broken-down truck until it runs,” she added.

Prevost’s approach has always been hands-on, practical, and compassionate — a model of pastoral leadership deeply rooted in the Gospel.

From bishop in Peru to a key Vatican figure

Recognizing his rare combination of leadership and humility, Pope Francis first appointed Prevost as bishop of Chiclayo in 2014. In 2023, he brought him to Rome to head the Dicastery for Bishops — one of the most powerful offices in the Vatican, responsible for vetting bishop appointments worldwide.

That experience made Prevost one of the most prominent figures going into the 2025 conclave. At age 69, he overcame the long-standing taboo against electing an American pope — a concern tied to the global political dominance of the United States.

A new vision for the Church: bridges, not barriers

Pope Leo XIV’s first address was marked by a clear pastoral and missionary tone. Speaking in Italian and Spanish — pointedly not in English — he called on the Church to be open, welcoming, and loving:

“Together, we must try to find out how to be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges, dialogues, that’s always open to receive — like on this piazza with open arms — to be able to receive everybody that needs our charity, our presence, dialogue and love.”

This inclusive message reflects his lifelong commitment to a Church present among the people — particularly the poor and excluded.

A different kind of American Catholicism

The choice of a U.S.-born pope may reshape the American Church. Deeply divided between traditionalist and progressive currents, U.S. Catholicism now sees in Leo XIV a figure who defies partisan labels. As head of the bishop vetting office under Francis, he supported efforts to temper rigid conservatism in the American episcopate.

“This is a deep sign of commitment to social issues,” said theology professor Natalia Imperatori-Lee. “It’s going to be exciting to see a different kind of American Catholicism in Rome.”

Celebrated in Peru, welcomed by the world

In Lima, cathedral bells rang out at the news of his election. In Chiclayo, parishioners remember him as a joyful, humble leader who always shared breakfast with fellow priests after morning prayers. “No matter how many problems he has, he maintains good humor and joy,” wrote Rev. Fidel Purisaca Vigil.

People in Peru — and across Latin America — already dream of a papal visit from “their” pope. “For us Peruvians, it is a source of pride that this pope represents our country,” said teacher Isabel Panez.

From Chicago to St. Peter’s Basilica

Born in 1955, Robert Prevost joined the Order of St. Augustine in 1977. He studied at Villanova University and Catholic Theological Union before completing further formation in Rome. His election is a milestone not just for the United States but also for the Augustinian order.

“For us, the Augustinian order, this is one of the biggest moments in history,” said Rev. Franz Klein, the order’s treasurer general. “I’m surprised and very happy.”