Pope Leo XIV returned to his former cathedral in Peru on Nov. 14 to take part in the crowning of a Marian statue while urging Catholics to pursue "a world marked by love and compassion."
"I give thanks to God for being here with you today to celebrate
our faith as we have so often done, and in the same cathedral in which I began my episcopal ministry," the pope told Catholics at the Cathedral of Saint Mary in Chiclayo.
In crowning the statue of the Blessed Mother, the Holy Father said the gesture "is intended to symbolize the tribute of gratitude and filial love offered to her by the pope, together with you and the whole Church."
Addressing the Chiclayo Diocese — which Leo led as Bishop Robert Prevost for years before being appointed prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in Rome — the pope described devotion to the Immaculate Virgin as "part of the Christian roots that shape your identity and strengthen your faith."
"With loving care, the Mother of God has accompanied this people for generations and continues to accompany you today," he said. "Trusting in her intercession and protection, I invite you to keep walking forward together, as one family of God."
'Still the same Father Prevost we've always known'
The streets around the cathedral were filled with Catholics who turned out to witness the ceremony, which was richly significant as the return of a former bishop, now the Vicar of Christ, to his onetime cathedral.
The cathedral itself has a rich history: It was built over the course of roughly 70 years, starting in 1869 before halting in 1871. Construction resumed in 1928 and was finished in 1939. It was notably designed by Gustave Eiffel, the namesake of the world-famous tower in Paris.
One attendee, Rosa Valdivia, told EWTN News that she knew Pope Leo XIV when he served as bishop of the diocese.
"He was a mentor to my son, who is also part of the church community here at the Chiclayo Cathedral," she said.
"They had a good relationship; I knew him personally. He was very kind and very sensitive — I had the chance to get to know him."
She said witnessing her former bishop become pope was "truly moving." She described him as "one of our own from Chiclayo."
Though he has risen to the Chair of Saint Peter, "he still has that same simplicity and sensitivity," Valdivia said.
"He's still the same Father Robert Prevost we've always known," she said.
Another attendee, Esperanza de Rellido Solano, was serving as a volunteer doctor for the event. She said people in Chiclayo were "very happy" with the pope's visit.
"We are looking forward to all the upcoming events with great joy and faith, and we hope that everything continues to go as smoothly as it has so far," she said.
Echoing Valdivia's remarks, Solano said Leo "is still the same person we once knew — very compassionate and very humble."
"Just seeing him inspires a sense of love for humanity and for our neighbors," she said.
Addressing Mary at the ceremony, Leo told the Blessed Mother: "I lift my gaze and my heart today with filial affection."
"At your side I learned to be the shepherd of Chiclayo," he said. "You accompanied me through its towns and cities. You taught me to meet its people and to be attentive to their needs, as you did at the Wedding Feast of Cana."
"To your Immaculate Heart I entrust today my life and my ministry as Successor of Peter," he said.
