The election of US Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, as the new head of the Catholic Church has placed Peru under an unexpected international spotlight. Prevost, an American-born cardinal who also holds Peruvian nationality, was chosen by a Conclave of 133 cardinal electors on the evening of May 8, following the death of Argentine-born Pope Francis. His ascent to power is being seen as a historic milestone, connecting the Church's leadership more closely to both the United States and Latin America.

Born in Chicago in 1955, Prevost's relationship with Peru spans nearly four decades. After being ordained in Rome in 1982 and completing a doctorate in canon law, he arrived in Chulucanas, Piura, in 1985. From there, he took on increasingly influential roles in Trujillo and Chiclayo, including director of formation for aspiring Augustinians, judicial vicar, and eventually bishop of Chiclayo. His pastoral style, marked by quiet diplomacy and theological grounding, earned him respect across both clerical and lay communities, eventually becoming a Peruvian citizen in 2015.

During his time as bishop of Chiclayo (2014–2023), allegations surfaced that he failed to respond adequately to cases of sexual abuse within the diocese. As reported by Cuarto Poder and Infovaticana, victims accused Prevost of inaction and secrecy, stating that no formal investigation, protective measures, or canonical decrees were initiated under his oversight. Although the diocese later claimed the cases were referred to the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and that precautionary actions were taken, victims and canon lawyers remain sceptical, citing a lack of transparency and documentation.

However, Peruvian journalist Pedro Salinas, who uncovered the Sodalitium scandal alongside Paola Ugaz, dismissed the allegations of cover-up against Prevost as “absolutely false” and claimed they originated from within the Sodalitium itself in an attempt to discredit him. According to Salinas, Prevost “always put victims at the centre” and was among the bishops who defended survivors against the group’s attacks.

The Vatican’s decision to archive the matter "pro nunc" — meaning it could be revisited but is not under active review — has sparked further criticism. Legal experts have questioned the characterisation of the investigation as merely "pastoral" rather than juridical, arguing that this semantic choice has allowed the Church to sidestep deeper accountability.

Notably, Prevost has been recognised for his firm stance against the influential Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, a sectarian Peruvian lay organisation accused of serious abuse and misconduct which was dissolved by Pope Francis in January 2025. His position on this high-profile scandal has distinguished him from other Church figures in Peru and aligned him with calls for reform.

Beyond Peru, Prevost is considered a moderately progressive figure in line with his predecessor, with a particular focus on the poor and the environment. He served as prior general of the Augustinian Order in Rome and was appointed by Pope Francis as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. His rapid rise within the Vatican culminated with his elevation to cardinal in 2023 and now, his election as Pope Leo XIV.

The US Embassy in Lima hailed his election as a symbolic bridge between “the people of Chicago and Chiclayo,” while Catholic communities in Peru have expressed pride in his deep ties to the country. In his first message after his election, Prevost sent greetings to his “dear diocese of Chiclayo” and lauded the exemplary faith of the Peruvian people.