New Jersey: In the heart of Paterson, New Jersey—home to the world’s largest Peruvian diaspora outside of Peru—the air is electric with pride and joy as the community celebrates the elevation of Pope Leo XIV, a US-born pontiff with Peruvian missionary roots. The news of his election has sparked an outpouring of affection and admiration, transforming the city’s streets and sacred spaces into a tapestry of flags, flowers, and heartfelt tributes.
Msgr. Geno Sylva, Rector of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and a key figure in the Paterson Diocese, described the atmosphere as "pure jubilation." The cathedral, located beside “Little Lima”—the city's vibrant Peruvian enclave—has become a hub of celebration. A spontaneous gesture of joy came from Guillermo, organizer of the local Peruvian Day Parade, who arrived at the cathedral bearing red and white floral arrangements mirroring the Peruvian flag. Alongside the blooms stood a large image of Pope Leo XIV, surrounded by the flags of Peru, the Vatican, and the United States, drawing crowds eager for a photo with their beloved new Pope’s likeness.
Msgr. Sylva noted that once the news broke, the cathedral overflowed with congregants. “The joy was immediate, almost explosive,” he said. “So many people turned up for Mass that we had to hold special celebration services specifically to honor Pope Leo XIV. It was about sharing in the moment, encouraging each other, and uniting around something larger than ourselves.”
Even law enforcement officers weren’t immune to the excitement. Sylva recounted that when Pope Leo XIV began addressing the faithful from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, switching from Italian to Spanish, the Paterson Police and Passaic County Sheriff’s officers who were gathered in his office erupted into cheers. “There was this instant recognition—he's one of us. The sense of connection was overwhelming.”
This papal moment is leaving a lasting local legacy. Msgr. Sylva announced the creation of a special artificial turf field on the cathedral grounds—currently the only patch of grass in downtown Paterson—which will be named in honor of Pope Leo XIV. “Right now, kids play in mud and gravel,” he said. “We’re changing that. This is going to be a safe, clean place for them to play every day. And yes, we’re naming it after Pope Leo—because his story has become their inspiration.”
Amid the excitement, humor hasn’t been lost. When someone joked that Pope Leo, a known Chicago White Sox fan, might not be welcome among Yankees supporters, Msgr. Sylva responded with a laugh, saying, “We’ve forgiven him. This isn’t about teams—it’s about unity.”
Bishop Kevin Sweeney of Paterson echoed this sentiment during a walk past the construction of the new field, affirming the decision to dedicate it to the new Pope. “It’s more than a name,” he said. “It’s a symbol of hope, pride, and belonging for our inner-city youth.”
Reflecting on the broader spiritual impact, Msgr. Sylva concluded, “People here are beaming—not just as Peruvians or Americans—but as Catholics. There’s this renewed sense of identity and ownership in the Church. It’s something sacred, something personal. And personally, I find Pope Leo XIV’s words and presence deeply moving. He’s reawakened faith in a way that feels tangible.”
As Paterson celebrates its cherished connection to the Vatican, it’s clear that Pope Leo XIV's ascent is more than historic—it’s deeply personal to a community that now sees its own story reflected on the world stage.