Since he was declared the new Pope, Leo XIV, whose real name is Robert Prevost, numerous news stories about him have emerged. These offer a deeper insight into his life, opinions, and his way of seeing the world.
While the new Pontiff begins to lead the Catholic Church, details about his past and his approach to certain relevant aspects of society have become known. This has allowed the faithful and observers to better understand the person who now occupies one of the most important positions.
A detail that reveals much about his past: "The Saint of the North"
One of the aspects that has attracted the most attention is a personal and human detail revealed by Father Alexander Lam. A Peruvian Augustinian friar who knows the new Pope personally. Lam, in statements collected by the Mirror and cited by 20minutos, has provided information about how Prevost was perceived in Peru.
He spent a large part of his life and pastoral development there. Friar Lam has mentioned a curious fact about an old nickname that the faithful gave to Robert Prevost, the future Pope. "Even the bishops of Peru called him the Saint, the Saint of the North," said Lam.
This nickname not only highlights Prevost's closeness to the community but also his humble character and his ability to connect with people, especially the most in need. According to Lam, the new Pope had time for everyone, regardless of their status or social condition. That closeness to the people was key in his way of leading.
A Pope close to and defender of the most vulnerable
Prevost has been recognized for his closeness to the people, especially the poorest. During his time in Peru, he stood out as a defender of social justice and environmental protection. Two aspects that are increasingly relevant in the modern Church.
This orientation toward the most vulnerable and his fight for social justice has been a constant in his life. It is something that has been highlighted in various interviews and reports that continue to come to light.
Father Lam also mentioned that, when Pope Francis visited Peru in 2018, he once again showed his style close to the people. He accompanied his faithful on the ground during the vigil before the Pope's mass. This type of gesture, although not always visible in large institutional actions, reflects the humanity and empathy of the new Pontiff.
A Pope with a personal and social focus
With these details, there is no doubt that Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, has built his reputation on the basis of humility. Also in closeness with people and his commitment to the values of justice and solidarity.
His pastoral work in Peru has left him marked by the way he related to the most in need. Also by the way he worked to defend the rights of the vulnerable and the protection of our planet.
While the faithful wait to see how the new Pope will take his leadership to a global level, we will see if Prevost's closeness and human focus will continue to be key in his pontificate.