Introduction to the New American Pope
Peruvian Catholics in Long Beach thought Robert Francis Prevost becoming Pope was a long shot.
“Not in a million years,” said Cynthia Carreiro, a Peruvian-American Catholic who co-owns Alli Kaphiy in Long Beach’s Bixby Knolls neighborhood. “I had a list of my top 10. I didn’t have him as part of that. I didn’t even know his background until I started looking.”
Reaction to the News
Carreiro watched the conclave intensely in her Peruvian coffee shop along with others stunned by the news of an American-born Catholic selected to lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
“My body had chills just to find out that here we have a Peruvian American pope. It’s so amazing," said Carreiro.
“As a Catholic and Peruvian American, I wish Pope Leo XIV strength as he steps into his role as a global and spiritual leader,” wrote former Long Beach mayor and current congressman Robert Garcia. “He has demonstrated that he believes in justice for the poor and immigrants. May his leadership reflect these ideals as he spreads peace across the world.”
Celebration at St. Peter’s Church
Parishioners at St. Peter’s in Hawaiian Gardens celebrated a noon mass just a hour after the news of an American pope broke.
“I don’t think it has happened, right? I think this is the first time,” said Cynthia Urquides, a St. Peter’s Parishioner.
“We are very excited,” said Brother Christopher Puglia with St. Peter’s Church. “(We are) praying for our new Holy Father who is leading us.”
The New Pope’s Background
Prevost was born in Chicago to a U.S. Navy Veteran of Italian and French descent and a mother with Spanish roots. He spent a third of his life in the U.S.
From Chicago, he went to Chiclayo in Northern Peru first as a missionary in 1984 and was ultimately made Archbishop before leaving for Italy to serve in the Vatican the last 20 years.
Hopes for the New Pope
“This new pope is not what America deserves, but what it needs,” said St. Peter’s parishioner John Simon, who hopes the new Pope will bring more Catholics back to the church.
“He is the new beacon of God,” said Carreiro.
Conclusion
The election of Pope Leo XIV has brought immense joy and pride to Peruvian Americans, who see him as a symbol of hope and a beacon of God. As the first American-born Pope, he is expected to bring a new perspective and leadership style to the Vatican. With his experience as a missionary in Peru and his commitment to justice for the poor and immigrants, he has already won the hearts of many.
FAQs
Q: Who is the new Pope?
A: The new Pope is Robert Francis Prevost, also known as Pope Leo XIV.
Q: Where was the new Pope born?
A: The new Pope was born in Chicago, USA.
Q: What is the new Pope’s background?
A: The new Pope has Italian, French, and Spanish roots, and spent a third of his life in the U.S. before serving as a missionary in Peru.
Q: What are the expectations from the new Pope?
A: The new Pope is expected to bring a new perspective and leadership style to the Vatican, and to prioritize justice for the poor and immigrants.
