Chiclyo, Peru – Walkiria García was 14 when he confirmed in the Catholic Church, an already significant religious sacrament made even more unforgettable by the man who officiated him, Robert Prevost, who a decade later would become Pope Leo XIV.
For many Peruvians, however, Leo is more than the first Pope of the United States, he is also the first Peruvian Pope.
Pope Leo, born on the southern side of Chicago, arrived for the first time in Peru in 1985 as a missionary. For 10 years, he taught canonical law in Trujillo, immersing himself in the local culture and community.
Although he returned to Chicago to lead the Augustinian order in the west, he could not stay away for too long. In 2014, he moved to Chiclayo, Peru, where he served as Apostolic Administrator, Bishop and then Archbishop. It even became a naturalized Peruvian citizen in 2015.
Now, Garcia has a message for the new Pontiff: “Do not change.”
Garcia, now 24 years old, remembers his first meeting with Leo at his Augustinian school, saying that he felt he was more a friend than an authority figure.
This is because Leo was “fun”, and he was often seen playing with students in addition to talking about religious topics.
Garcia said that the former bishop shared messages of love and openness with the students, in line with their Augustinian beliefs.
“We can always return and we can always change our life,” Garcia said.
Leo’s deep link with Peruvians is based on his hug of his customs. Garcia loved to have seen him in cultural festivals, serving food and participating in traditions. “He was Peruvian,” Garcia said.
In his first speech as Pope, Leo expressed his gratitude to the people of Chiclayo, highlighting the influence of the city on his trip.
Garcia connected with Leo again in a casual encounter during a 2021 flight, where they remembered his confirmation and his school days.
Garcia hopes to read “Follow Francis’s message”, continue “loving all people” and hugging members of the LGBTQ community. She would like to see her continue her work with young children and adults, as she did in Chiclayo.
“He is our first Peruvian Pope,” Garcia said.
Stephanie Gosk reported from Chiclayo, Peru, and Viola Flowers reported from New York City.
