As Peru celebrates the ascent of Pope Leo XIV, the nation finds itself intimately connected to the heart of the Catholic Church. The deep pastoral roots the new Pontiff cultivated in Peru are now seen as a precious foundation for his spiritual leadership. Archbishop Paolo Rocco Gualtieri, the Vatican’s envoy to Peru since 2022, shared with Vatican Radio his insights into the Pope’s enduring relationship with the country and how that connection may influence his mission.

“Peru is filled with joy,” said Archbishop Gualtieri. “Pope Leo XIV has poured much of his life into this land.” From his early days as a young missionary priest, he made an indelible impact—teaching canon law, guiding seminarians, and later leading the Diocese of Chiclayo. He twice served as provincial superior and became Apostolic Administrator before his appointment as bishop.

But it wasn’t just titles he earned—it was trust and love. During critical moments like the COVID-19 pandemic and the destructive El Niño disasters of 2023, then-Cardinal Prevost stood with the people. His presence during these tragedies showed a shepherd committed to his flock.

For a nation wrestling with political turbulence and social unrest, Pope Leo’s rise is more than historic—it’s personal. “His return as Cardinal was met with a flood of affection,” Gualtieri recalled, referencing a heartfelt visit to Chiclayo. “The people embraced him as one of their own—a pastor who walked in their shoes.”

This election, the Archbishop added, is more than symbolic. “It reminds Peruvians that their faith and resilience have not gone unnoticed. Their struggles and their spirit have, in a way, shaped the See of Peter.”

Gualtieri described the new Pope as “unassuming, yet resolute—a man of the people and of deep conviction.” His time in Peru wasn’t merely a chapter in a clerical career, but a transformative journey that molded him into the pastor he is today. “His missionary work, teaching, and leadership among the Peruvian faithful will deeply inform how he guides the universal Church.”

Looking forward, the Apostolic Nuncio expressed hope that Pope Leo XIV’s tenure would be one of reconciliation and collective discernment. “His vision embraces a synodal Church, one that listens and walks together. He embodies the call to be a light in the darkness, as Pope Francis once described the Church’s mission.”

In an age marked by conflict and fragmentation, Gualtieri concluded, “the world needs bridge-builders more than ever. Pope Leo XIV is ready for that sacred task—his years in Peru have prepared him well to be a beacon of peace and unity.”