The last time Father Hugo Gabriel Sánchez met Robert Prevost in Chiclayo, Peru, the future pope had just been created a cardinal. In just a few days, that friend, who wishes Sánchez a happy birthday every year and with whom he shared "hearty laughter" when he was Sánchez's bishop, will return to Peru as pontiff.
A historic visit
Pope Leo will be in Peru from Nov. 11–16, a historic visit that Sánchez described as "a gift from God." For him, Prevost's election has meant "a change in the color of his cassock: He remains the same close friend as always, attentive to us and concerned for our well-being."
Serenity, trust in providence, clarity, and firmness are, in the priest's view, some of the traits that best define Leo XIV.
Speaking with EWTN News Español, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News, he also recalled that "Bishop Roberto reflected very well the image of Christ the good shepherd: a shepherd who was always close to his people, whose doors were always open and, above all, whose heart was ready and whose time was available to listen to you patiently and calmly. He knew how to offer wise answers that did not remain merely words but were translated into concrete actions."
'The roots of his ministry are here'
Although the two have met on more than one occasion in the Vatican since Leo was elected successor of St. Peter, the young priest acknowledged that this occasion will be different.
"This visit is very important because it was here that he was able to fully develop his vocation and found a way of exercising his ministry first as a priest and then as a bishop. He grew deeply attached to Chiclayo, and having him here again after eight years will be very important for him and for us. The roots of his ministry are here," Sánchez emphasized.
Recalling the pope's missionary journey, the priest highlighted the enthusiasm with which "Bishop Roberto" approached major projects and pastoral challenges.
"One of the things that excited him most was launching major initiatives for evangelization, proclaiming the Gospel, and passing on the faith, while never neglecting social assistance," he said.
A source of encouragement
Sánchez said he has no doubt that Leo XIV is preparing for this trip "with much prayer," just as the Church in Peru is doing. He is also convinced that this encounter will be a source of encouragement for the Holy Father, especially "after recovering from his operation."
The priest revealed that the Holy Father expressed a desire to visit the most remote communities. However, difficulties in access, especially because of weather conditions, ultimately prevented their inclusion in the official itinerary.
Even so, he explained, "the pope wanted these people to be the guests of honor at the gathering that will take place in Zaña, in the Chiclayo district." There, the pontiff will preside over the closing of the jubilee year marking the 300th anniversary of the canonization of St. Turibius of Mogrovejo.
Expectations in the country that holds a special place in Leo XIV's heart are immense. The Chiclayo priest noted that despite the pope's simple, humble, and reserved character, "he is someone who, when he stands before a large crowd, seems to come alive even more, with greater joy, enthusiasm, and excitement. You could say that his heart grows larger, and for that reason he will enjoy it very much."
Sánchez, a member of the organizing committee for the papal trip, said that despite the diocese's lack of experience and the enormous challenge of preparing a visit of this magnitude, special effort has been made to attend to every detail of the events and warmly welcome all pilgrims.
Asked what Peru would like Leo XIV to find upon his arrival, the priest's answer was clear: "It is reflected in his own Petrine motto, 'In Illo uno unum' — a united Church that knows how to walk together in fraternity."
This story was first published by EWTN News Español, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
