Peru Rejoices as Cardinal Becomes Pope Leo XIV

Peruvians were filled with joy on Thursday as Cardinal Robert Prevost, who has deep ties to the South American nation, was elected as Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time a pope is from both the United States and Peru.

In Lima, the capital, celebratory bells tolled at the cathedral when the announcement was made, while locals eagerly expressed hopes for a papal visit. Speaking from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Leo XIV addressed Peru in Spanish, expressing affection for Chiclayo, his former diocese, on Peru's northern coast.

Diana Celis, a resident of Chiclayo familiar with his work, quoted his fondness for saying that the only difference between Chicago and Chiclayo is a few letters. Rev. Edinson Farfán, bishop of Chiclayo, praised Prevost's sensitivity to the Church's social doctrine and modern issues.

(With inputs from agencies.)