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| Pope Leo XIV with his friend Father Hugo Gabriel Sánchez on May 12, 2025, at the Vatican |
Father Rafael Hasbun, a priest who served alongside Pope Leo XIV during his missionary years in Peru, shared heartfelt memories that shed light on the character and pastoral heart of the new pope. Their friendship spans decades, rooted in shared ministry, simplicity, and deep spiritual commitment.
Pope Leo XIV, known then as Father Robert Prevost, served for many years in the Diocese of Chiclayo, located in northern Peru. There, he was not just a foreign missionary—he became a spiritual brother to the local clergy and a guiding presence for the communities he served. His ministry, shaped by humility and warmth, left an enduring impression on those who worked closely with him.
Fr. Hasbun recalls how Leo XIV never sought the spotlight. Despite holding positions of leadership—including serving as prior and bishop—he always prioritized relationships over recognition. He was known for his openness, often listening more than he spoke, and providing guidance through quiet example rather than grand gestures.
Even outside formal ministry, Fr. Robert was approachable and down-to-earth. Hasbun recalls many personal moments—simple meals shared, laughter exchanged, and late-night discussions about faith, suffering, and hope. These are the kinds of memories that reveal the man beneath the miter: someone deeply human, attentive to others, and dedicated to walking alongside the people he served.
Pope Leo XIV’s years in Peru weren’t just a mission assignment—they were formative. According to Hasbun, the experiences there shaped much of the Pope's current worldview: one focused on pastoral care, social justice, and solidarity with the poor. The people of Chiclayo still speak of him fondly, not only as a bishop but as a friend, mentor, and spiritual father.
Now as pope, Leo XIV brings with him not only administrative experience but also a heart formed in the dusty chapels, crowded neighborhoods, and loving communities of Peru. For those who knew him there, his election is not only a source of pride but a sign of hope—that a Church led by someone so grounded in real, personal ministry may be one that listens more deeply, serves more humbly, and loves more broadly.