FROM PERU TO SAINT PETER’S SQUARE –
Meet the NEW LEADER OF THE MISSION SOCIETIES

The Pontifical Mission Societies rejoices in the historic election of the first pontiff from the United States, Leo XIV, Chicago native Robert Cardinal Prevost. 

The newly elected Holy Father – is not only the 266th successor of Saint Peter. He is also the first Pope in modern history with a life formed in the Missions.

And for the Pontifical Mission Societies – The Pope’s Missions – this moment is deeply significant.
Pope Leo XIV is a Missionary at heart who served for many years as a priest and bishop bringing Christ and his Gospel to the people in rural Peru.

Reverend Eduardo Martín Clemens, diocesan director of the Mission Societies in Seville, Spain and former Missionary in Peru, lived and worked alongside then-Father Prevost in Trujillo.
As a priest, from 1988-98, the Pope was at the Augustinian Mission in Trujillo as director of a joint formation project for Augustinians.   
“I’m convinced the new Pope is a gift to the whole church,”said Father Clemens. “The Holy Spirit has been very generous.”

From the dusty roads of Trujillo, Peru, remote villages where the Gospel was preached through presence and humility, Pope Leo walked with the poor long before he entered the Sistine Chapel as a Cardinal. 
He didn’t approach the Missions as a visitor – he made them home.

Together with all American Catholics and citizens, with our Missionaries and the people they serve in the 1,111 Missionary dioceses, we commit ourselves to praying for him and his intentions as he continues the work of Peter as a fisher of men throughout the globe.

JOIN US, as we pray the World Mission Rosary for our new Pope, our Missionaries and for your personal intentions every Monday at 8PM.

Throughout the year, the Pontifical Mission Societies support the proclamation of the Gospel, the building of the Church, and the work and witness of mission priests, religious Sisters and Brothers, and lay pastoral leaders. These missionaries provide food, education, and medical care to the most vulnerable communities in the Pope’s missions. Through their work, they reveal the compassionate heart of Jesus. Help support their efforts ~ and be right there with them, offering hope.