NEW YORK (PIX11) – Pope Leo XIV has dual citizenship, having become a citizen of Peru in 2015. Peruvians in Paterson proudly assert that for them, the pope is both American and Peruvian.
“El Papa León,” as Latinos refer to the pontiff, delivered some of his first words as the new pope in Spanish. Expressing gratitude to his dear diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, where he served as bishop from 2014 to 2023. Diana Navarro felt as if he was speaking directly to her.
“One minute, I was like, OMG, he is speaking Spanish. I am very happy because the pope is half from the United States and the other half Peruvian,” Navarro Said.
Pope Leo first worked as a missionary in Latin America, where he moved in 1985.
“He also spent a certain time in Piura which is my hometown, I was excited,” said Paterson Deputy Mayor, Maria Rivas, as she shared the excitement with other members of the Peruvian community who live in this city.
“Here in Peru Square, the town of my constituents, we have the hope who is going to fight for the people in need,” Rivas added.
For Ysai Valencia, who has owned a Peruvian mini market in Paterson for more than twenty years, Pope Leo means reconnecting with his roots.
“I had to call to my brother in Peru, he’s been living in Peru for a long time but you know I had to tell him, Oh My God surprise, he been living in Peru and my daughter too when I go to home you know the pope is Peruvian he has been living in Peru.” Said Valencia
Pope Leo worked closely with his predecessor, Pope Francis, who was from Argentina. Because of this, many are hopeful he will also be like the late pope and stand with immigrants.
“Our community, our immigrants, they need somebody. He is a Leo, the name of the person who is going to fight for the people who need help,” concluded Rivas.
Peru's President Dina Boluarte called the selection of Pope Leo XIV to lead the Catholic Church a “historic moment for Peru and the world.”
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