As Papa Leo became a loved peruvian figure star-news.press/wp

Chiclayo, Peru – Walkirija Garcia was 14 when she confirmed in the Catholic Church, but a significant religious sacrament did even more unforgettable by a man who was in the quarterly, which later became a pope later.

Many Peruvi, however, is more than the first pope of the US, it is also the first Peruvian Pope.

Pope Leo, born on the south side of Chicago, was the first to arrive in Peru in 1985. as a missionary. 10 years he taught Canon Law in Trujillo, immersing in local culture and community.

Although he returned to Chicago to lead the Augustine Order in the Midwest, he could not stay away too long. In 2014, he moved in Chiclayo, Peru, where he served as an apostolic administrator, bishop and later Archbishop. He even became Naturalized Peruvian citizen in 2015.

Now, Garcia has one message for a new Pontiff: “Don’t change.”

Garcia, now 24, reminds of the first meeting with Leo in his Augustine School, saying he feels like he was more friends than the figure of the authorities.

This is because Leo was “fun,” and often saw playing games with students next to what he tells them about religious themes.

Garcia said the former bishop shared messages of love and openness with students, in accordance with their avinius beliefs.

“We can always return and we can always change our lives,” Garcia said.

Live a deep connection with Peruanians is rooted in the embrace of their customs. Garcia remembers it nicely to see him in cultural festivals, serving food and participated in traditions. “He was Peruvian,” Garcia said.

In his first speech as a pope, Leo expressed his gratitude to the people of Chicle, emphasizing the influence of the city on his journey.

Garcia re-associated with Leo in the meeting opportunities during the summer of 2021. years, where they were reminiscent of her confirmation and school days.

Garcia hopes Leo “follow Francis message”, continue to “love all people” and embrace the members of the LGBTQ community. She would like to see him continue working with children and young adults, just like he in Chiclayou.

“He is our first Peruvian Pope,” Garcia said.

Stephanie Gosk reported from Chiclayo, Peru, And the viola flowers reported New York.