Last night, at 6:09 PM, with a bit of surprise, we witnessed the white smoke. In just a few minutes, St. Peter’s Square, already filled with the faithful, was filled with anticipation for the announcement of the election of the new Pope.

All the excitement for the fateful habemus papam and the curiosity to discover who had been elected among the 133 cardinals, whose names had circulated in the days leading up to the Conclave, was palpable. The new Pope, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an Augustinian friar and the first American in history to hold this role, is the 267th Bishop of Rome and has chosen the name Leo XIV. His choice recalls his predecessor Leo XIII, author of the 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, considered the magna carta of Catholic social doctrine, focused on workers’ rights and the promotion of social justice.

Among his numerous roles, Cardinal Prevost served as Bishop of the Diocese of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 to 2023, a fact he himself recalled, visibly emotional, from the Loggia of Benedictions. During his episcopate, he visited our Pediatric Clinic “San Juan de Dios” in Chiclayo, leaving a lasting impression with his humility and dedication to the community.

During the last audience with Pope Francis, in January, with the new General Council—Superior Brother Pascal Ahodegnon and Councilor Brother Joaquim Erra Mas—while waiting to be received by the Pope, they engaged in conversation with Cardinal Prevost, who was also waiting to meet the Pontiff. A prophetic encounter.

His appointment marks the beginning of a new path for the Church, bringing hopes of renewal and continuity with the social values promoted by his predecessor, Pope Francis.