Cebu recalls humble visits of Pope Leo XIV

As white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel, heralding the election of a new spiritual leader for over a billion Catholics in the world, many in Cebu felt a sense of personal connection because the newly elected Pope Leo XIVformerly Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost—had already walked the streets of Cebu.

- Jonnavie Villa Staff Member

For the people of Cebu, he is more than a distant figure in white; he is a familiar face and a brother to the local Augustinian community.

During his tenure as Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine (OSA), Pope Leo XIV visited Cebu five times, leaving behind memories captured in resurfaced photos and videos shared across social media.

Fr. Jules Van Almerez, OSA, media liaison officer of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu, recalled his first encounter with Pope Leo XIV during a provincial chapter visit in 2010, when he was still a young seminarian.

"I will never forget the words the pope said," Almerez shared. "Persevere. Your journey right now is a journey towards serving the people of God."

That moment of encouragement, Almerez said, did not come from a distant figure, but from "someone who listened with humility and spoke with the voice of a brother." The connection between Pope Leo XIV and Cebu runs deep. In 2004, he personally blessed a site of spiritual importance in Barangay Mohon, Talisay City. Fr. Jonas Mejares, OSA-now Vice President for Augustinian Formation and Mission at the University of San Agustin-was there during the visit.