A Missionary Pope for a missionary Church

Pope Leo XIV greeting the crowd during the first Regina Caeli Prayer in St. Peter's Square after his election. Photo: Mazur/cbcew.org.uk

On 8 May 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago was elected as the 267^th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. His election marks a historic first for the Church: he is the first American-born pontiff, and notably, a dual citizen of Peru. A member of the Order of St. Augustine (OSA), Pope Leo XIV brings to the papacy a deep sense of pastoral care, forged during his many years as a missionary bishop in Peru. His life and ministry bear strong parallels to the vision and mission of the Missionary Society of St. Columban, especially in its long-standing work among the poor and marginalised in Peru.

Before ascending to the papacy, Pope Leo XIV - then Bishop Robert Prevost - served for nearly two decades in the northern Peruvian dioceses of Trujillo and then Chiclayo, where he was bishop. His work in Peru was not limited to sacramental duties; it extended to walking with the people, understanding their struggles, and advocating for social justice and dignity. This grassroots missionary spirit aligns closely with the charism of the Columban missionaries, who have been ministering in Peru since 1951.

Like the Columbans, Pope Leo XIV embodies the Vatican II vision of a Church that “reads the signs of the times” and walks in solidarity with the world’s suffering. His pastoral approach is incarnational - he lived among the people, spoke their language, and shared in their daily lives. This model of missionary discipleship, deeply grounded in presence and accompaniment, echoes the style of the Columbans in the regions of Peru, such as Lima, Arequipa, and the coastal and mountainous communities where Columbans have served for decades.

The Missionary Society of St. Columban entered Peru during a time of great upheaval and poverty. Initially arriving to work in the parishes of Lima's poorer districts, they soon expanded their ministry to include remote areas, bringing not only the Gospel but also community development, education, and healthcare initiatives. Their work was deeply influenced by liberation theology and the preferential option for the poor, prioritising justice, dignity, and peace for the marginalised.

Pope Leo XIV’s years as bishop in Chiclayo involved similar priorities. He supported lay leadership, advocated for indigenous rights, and worked to strengthen local Church structures in a region often overlooked by both government and ecclesiastical authorities. This commitment resonates with Columban mission: to build communities of faith rooted in justice and inclusivity, particularly among those on the periphery.

Pope Leo XIV’s and the Columbans’ shared history in Peru creates a profound spiritual link. Both the Augustinian bishop and the Columban missionaries were formed by the same land, challenged by the same poverty, and inspired by the same resilient faith of the Peruvian people.

Pope Leo XIV’s election comes at a critical time for the Church. As societies grapple with polarisation, climate change, migration crises, and growing secularism, the Church is called to be a sign of hope and a beacon of justice. In his first address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV spoke of peace, unity, and the importance of listening to the margins—a theme central to both his ministry and the Columban charism.

For the Columbans, who have worked tirelessly to amplify the voices of the excluded - be it in Peru, the Philippines, Fiji, or elsewhere - Pope Leo XIV represents a continuity affirmation of mission. He is a pope who understands the realities of mission not as abstract theology, but as lived experience in difficult, often under-resourced environments.

The presence of a missionary pope with ties to Peru is a source of hope and encouragement for all those involved in mission work. For Columbans still ministering in Peru, his election reaffirms the Church’s commitment to mission “ad gentes” - to go out into the world and serve those in greatest need. His life story bridges North and South, clerical and lay, tradition and pastoral outreach.

Moreover, Pope Leo XIV’s familiarity with Latin American spirituality, base ecclesial communities, and the struggle for social justice and care for the Earth provides fertile ground for a renewed missionary Church. It’s a vision that calls the global Church to be, in the words of Pope Francis, “a field hospital” rather than a fortress—offering healing, accompaniment, and hope.

As the Columbans continue their work in the poor communities of Lima and the mountainous regions of Yanaoca – Cusco, they do so now with a pope who has shared their mission to Peru and whose heart beats with the same missionary zeal.

Mrs Maha Shawky is the Chief Executive Officer at Columban Mission Centre, Melbourne.