Walkiria Garcia, at 14, made her confirmation in the Catholic Church officiated by Robert Prevost, who later became Pope Leo XIV, marking him as the first pope from the U.S. and Peru. Prevost, originally from Chicago, arrived in Peru as a missionary in 1985 and taught canon law in Trujillo for ten years. He returned to Chicago for a time, but moved back to Chiclayo in 2014, serving in various roles including bishop and archbishop, and naturalized as a Peruvian citizen in 2015.
Now 24, Garcia cherishes her memories of Leo, recalling him as friendly and engaging with students at her Augustinian school, sharing messages of love and openness. She appreciates how he embraced local customs, participating in cultural festivities and serving food, making him feel “Peruvian.” In his inaugural speech as pope, Leo thanked the people of Chiclayo for their influence on his life.
Garcia, who later ran into Leo on a flight in 2021, wishes him to maintain his friendly approach and to continue following the message of Pope Francis, advocating for love and inclusivity, particularly for the LGBTQ community. She hopes he will sustain his dedication to children and young people, reflecting on his impactful work in Chiclayo.
Leo’s connections with the community and the warmth he exuded have left a lasting impression on Garcia and many others in Peru. “He is our first Peruvian pope,” she stated, highlighting the significance of his roots and his unique relationship with the Peruvian people.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
