Bishop Jaime on Pope Leo XIV
When someone with whom you have shared the joys, sufferings, and hopes of the Church is elected to a significant role within it, many memories begin to surface. That is the case for me, Monsignor Jaime Rodríguez Salazar, Comboni Missionary and Bishop Emeritus of Huánuco, Peru, as I recall my encounters with the new pope.
I met His Holiness while he was serving in Peru, especially after he was named Bishop of the Diocese of Chiclayo and became a member of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference.
I had already heard of Fr. Robert Francis Prevost, OSA, because he had served as Superior General of the Order of Saint Augustine. In that role, he promoted love and fidelity to consecrated life while fostering respectful and fraternal dialogue with diocesan clergy and Church authorities. After completing his service as Superior General, he was assigned to the Augustinian province in Peru, where he undertook various pastoral responsibilities in the Diocese of Chiclayo. His generous, self-sacrificing, and enthusiastic apostolic work made it clear that he was a good shepherd, and so he was proposed for the episcopacy. Pope Benedict XVI appointed him bishop, and he was consecrated on December 12, 2014. I was fortunate to attend his episcopal ordination, and I would like to share a few impressions.
Bishop Prevost chose to be ordained on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I had already heard of his deep devotion to her, and his choice of this date confirmed it. I still remember how the church was decorated, the music, and the liturgy—all of it expressed his great love for the Holy Mother of God, Queen of Mexico and Empress of the Americas.
Both the liturgical celebration and the festivities outside the church were splendid, filled with the joy of the faithful who were grateful to welcome a new shepherd, especially in a diocese that had recently endured difficult times, including natural disasters like flooding. From his ordination onward, we often met at gatherings of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference and in various committee meetings. My impression of him was always highly positive. He was a simple and humble man, respectful in dialogue, and sincerely fraternal with the other bishops.
He showed deep interest and dedication in every area we discussed: evangelization, vocations to the priesthood and religious life, lay apostolic formation, catechesis, liturgical renewal, and pastoral care for the poor, families, and youth. He also supported sports as a tool for education and formation among younger generations.
When I heard he had taken the name Leo XIV, I immediately thought of his desire that the Church pay close attention to its social teachings—especially the legacy of Pope Leo XIII and his encyclical Rerum Novarum.
The Church is missionary by its very nature. Christ himself commanded: “Go and make disciples.” In our discussions about evangelization and catechesis throughout Peru and the wider Church, Bishop Prevost consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the urgent need to make Jesus Christ known and loved. That’s why, when he addressed the crowds in St. Peter’s Square upon his election, he encouraged all of us to be true missionaries.
To all of you reading Esquila Misional and supporting the Church’s missionary work: you are living what the Pope calls us to do—woe to us if we do not evangelize! As Pope Francis reminded us, we must be a Church that “goes forth,” living as good disciples and witnesses of Christ in a spirit of synodality. Though synodality may be a more recent emphasis, it was already alive in our pastoral work in Peru during those years.
As we continue celebrating the Easter season, we are reminded to be people of peace—promoting it in all areas of society. We must become bridges of dialogue and fraternal coexistence. These values were often spoken of by the man who, as bishop of Chiclayo, is now Pope Leo XIV. Peru has endured difficult times marked by the absence of true peace and social justice. I have many more memories I could share, but I hope that these reflections help you to admire, pray for, support, and collaborate with our new Holy Father.
—Mons. Jaime Rodríguez Salazar, MCCJ
Bishop Emeritus of Huánuco, Peru
