In Chiclayo, Peru, Walkiria Garcia reflects on her confirmation at 14, officiated by Robert Prevost, who later became Pope Leo XIV, the first pope from both the U.S. and Peru. Prevost, born in Chicago, first arrived in Peru as a missionary in 1985, where he taught canon law and immersed himself in the culture for a decade. Despite returning to Chicago to lead the Augustinian order, he eventually moved back to Peru in 2014, becoming an apostolic administrator, bishop, and archbishop, and naturalizing as a Peruvian citizen in 2015.
Now 24, Garcia holds a special message for the new pontiff: “Don’t change.” She recalls Leo as more of a friend than an authority figure during her time at an Augustinian school. His playful nature and messages of love significantly impacted her and her peers. Garcia appreciated how he engaged in local customs, participating in cultural festivals and serving food, earning the affection of the community.
In his inaugural address as pope, Leo expressed gratitude to the people of Chiclayo, acknowledging the city’s role in his spiritual journey. Garcia had a chance encounter with him on a flight in 2021, where they reminisced about her confirmation. She hopes Leo will embody the inclusive spirit of Pope Francis, extending love to all, particularly the LGBTQ community, and continuing his work with children and young adults, mirroring his previous efforts in Chiclayo. “He is our first Peruvian pope,” Garcia proudly states, reflecting the deep connection between Pope Leo and the Peruvian community.
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