From Peru's periphery to the papacy

ROBERT Francis Prevost, the first pope from the United States, has a history of missionary work in Peru but also a keen grasp of the inner workings of the Church.

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The new Leo XIV, a Chicago native, was entrusted by his predecessor Francis to head the powerful Dicastery for Bishops, charged with advising the pontiff on new bishop appointments. The sign of confidence from Francis speaks to Prevost's commitment as a missionary in Peru to the "peripheries" — overlooked areas far from Rome prioritized by Francis — and his reputation as a bridge-builder and moderate within the Curia.