Two Peruvian priests who knew Pope Leo XIV personally share testimonies that reveal the new Pontiff's humble and missionary heart, pastoral dedication, and closeness to the faithful.
Fathers Erick Vílchez and Christian Munayco Peves spoke with the CARF Foundation about their encounters with the former Bishop of Chiclayo and their impressions of him.
A Pope Who Smiles and Listens
Father Erick Vílchez, from the Roman Catholic Territorial Prelature of Chota, studied at the Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo Seminary in Chiclayo, Peru, when Bishop Robert Francis Prevost Martínez led the diocese.
"I’ve known Pope Leo XIV since he was the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo. As many who knew him have said, I always saw him as a very approachable person, with a great gift for dialogue. He was a good listener, always smiling, and deeply obedient. He is a strong man. But above all, what stands out to me is his profound love for the Church."
"The first time I spoke with Monsignor Robert, shortly after arriving in Chiclayo, I introduced myself and said, 'Monsignor, we’re in charge of the liturgy; we’re here to serve.' I remember he replied with a smile and great simplicity, 'That’s great. Just so you know, I’m very obedient. So let’s prepare as best we can.' In that moment, I witnessed the warmth and simplicity of the man who is now the Holy Father."
Among the many moments shared with Monsignor Prevost, what Father Vílchez remembers most vividly is serving as master of ceremonies during his episcopal ordination on December 12, 2014.
He also recalls accompanying Bishop Prevost on a visit to the prison in Chiclayo, where they ministered to inmates and celebrated the sacraments.
“In conversations we had, he would often emphasize the importance of forming ourselves with a missionary spirit—valuing the sense of mission, starting with our own people, those closest to us.”
Father Vílchez hopes Pope Leo XIV will inspire young people to reflect more deeply on their vocation, whether to religious life or marriage.
The Silent Testimony That Inspires
Father Christian Munayco, originally from Cañete and a member of the Diocese of Ayacucho, reflects on his brief but meaningful encounters with then-Bishop Prevost at the Peruvian Episcopal Conference.
“My archbishop served two terms as president of the Episcopal Conference, which meant I frequently visited the conference headquarters. In its hallways, I often ran into the man who is now the Holy Father. We exchanged cordial greetings, but nothing more. From those brief interactions, I can say he was a kind, friendly man—of few words, but above all, extremely simple and approachable.”
Father Munayco emphasizes that the new Pope has always been a pastor deeply connected to the faithful. He highlights how Bishop Prevost’s ministry in Peru shows that one can serve God beyond their homeland, embracing a missionary spirit rooted in service, self-denial, and self-forgetfulness.
For Father Munayco, the election of Pope Leo XIV presents an opportunity for Peruvian youth to reflect on their own vocation.
“Without a doubt, this election is a living and powerful testimony that it is possible to live joyfully in the world while serving and walking with God, working to save souls.”
He notes that Pope Leo’s ministry—both as an Augustinian and as a bishop—was always closely tied to young people. Since his election, they have been invited to renew their relationship with the Church and the parish, recognizing that alongside their daily and professional lives, one can be a saint. God often asks more of those He loves—because He knows and expects more from them.
At the Regina Caeli on Sunday, the Holy Father encouraged young people with these words:
“Do not be afraid! Accept the invitation of the Church and of Christ the Lord!”
"This is a message of hope," says Father Munayco, "because we must not fear living a life that, from a human point of view, often contradicts the designs and message of love and forgiveness that Jesus proclaimed. In the face of such conflict, God relies on us to be co-redeemers—to carry with Him the cross of human logic, which often tries to devalue His message. The call to ‘not be afraid’ is an invitation to defend the truth, even if it means suffering, exclusion, or injustice. Beyond that lies the door to heaven."
Father Munayco believes the key to fostering vocations lies in the authentic witness of priests.
“I am deeply grateful to the Spanish missionary priests who left their homeland to promote vocations in my parish. They were faithful witnesses and credible examples that choosing the priesthood leads to a joyful life.”
He also expressed the joy felt by Peruvians over the papal election and affirmed his confidence that, with the help of the Holy Spirit and the prayers of the faithful, the Church will move forward.
"There is a good shepherd now who seeks not only to guide his flock but above all to ensure that none are lost. I also want to thank the CARF Foundation, which has enabled many of us priests to receive formation so we can better serve the people God has entrusted to us."
A Candle Lit for Vocations
Inspired by the Pope’s message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, the CARF Foundation launched the campaign “Light a Digital Candle for Priests,” inviting the faithful to pray for vocations and support the formation of seminarians and religious worldwide.
On their website, you’ll find testimonies like those of Fathers Erick and Christian—reminders that behind every vocation is a story of dedication, joy, and faith.
Today, these two Peruvian priests not only celebrate the election of a Pope with ties to their homeland, but also renew their own commitment to the mission entrusted to them. And they do so with confidence that, as Pope Leo XIV said, young people will find in the Church a place where they are heard, welcomed, and accompanied toward a full life in Christ.