By Andrew Hoxha 
Pope Leo XIV commenced his pontificate with a grand mass in St. Peter’s Square. During this ceremony, he was presented with the Palio, an ornament worn on the shoulders that symbolizes the Pope’s authority over the Church. Additionally, he received the Fisherman’s Ring, which signifies the role of ‘being a fisher of men.’
Thus, his pontificate begins amidst considerable anticipation, as many hope he will continue the approach of Francis, who was known for fostering a Church that is more open and accessible to young people. However, it will take a few months to observe how his leadership unfolds.
The arrival of the second Pope from the American continent has garnered significant attention. Despite being born in Chicago, United States, Leo XIV made it clear from his first moments as Pontiff that he feels a strong connection to Latin America. He even sent a message in Spanish, particularly expressing gratitude to the community of Chiclayo, Peru, where he spent several years of his life.
Pope Leo XIV’s relationship with Peru has been longstanding, as he first visited this region in 1985, marking the beginning of much of his life dedicated to serving the Church. His bond with this South American country is so profound that he recently shared some of the experiences he had there, even stating that his arrival at the Vatican had been anticipated more than 26 years ago. But how did he know?