Vatican City: Following the historic election of Pope Leo XIV on May 8, 2025, Vatican Media is set to premiere a poignant new documentary titled “León de Perú” (Leo of Peru), chronicling the inspiring missionary path of Robert Francis Prevost across Peru—a journey that shaped the man who would become the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church.
This production, crafted by Vatican journalists Salvatore Cernuzio, Felipe Herrera-Espaliat, and Jaime Vizcaíno Haro, captures the vibrant mosaic of Prevost’s pastoral life. From the rugged mountains of Chulucanas to the bustling streets of Lima, and from the flood-stricken neighborhoods of Chiclayo to the poverty-stricken districts of Pachacútec, the film retraces his footsteps as missionary, teacher, pastor, mentor, and shepherd.
The documentary revisits Prevost’s formative ministry years, painting a vivid picture of his hands-on approach to faith and service. He celebrated the Eucharist in village chapels, taught in seminaries, walked with youth, and supported the marginalized during Peru’s darkest times—most notably during the devastating El Niño floods and the COVID-19 crisis.
Testimonies pour in from all corners of the country: bishops who now lead the dioceses once under his care, Augustinian friars who labored alongside him, and local priests like Fr. Cristophe Ntaganzwa, who recounts the Pope’s deep concern for the destitute in Pachacútec.
As Apostolic Administrator and later Bishop of Chiclayo, Prevost was not one to observe from the sidelines. He waded through floodwaters to bring relief, organized emergency supplies, and launched initiatives like soup kitchens and oxygen campaigns. Former Caritas leader Janina Sesa and cook Bertha, among others, offer powerful memories of his grassroots compassion.
Other personal accounts deepen the portrait: Sylvia, a survivor of human trafficking who motivated Prevost to combat the crime through an anti-trafficking commission; and Hector and Mildred, a father-daughter duo whose lives were so closely touched by him that he became Mildred’s godfather.
In the closing moments, these voices reflect on the moment of the Habemus Papam and extend heartfelt messages to the man they once called “Padre Roberto”—now Pope Leo XIV. León de Perú will soon be available on Vatican Media’s official platforms, offering viewers a profound glimpse into a Pope forged by the mission fields of Latin America.