Colombia’s president calls on the newly elected Pope Leo XIV to champion the rights of Latin American migrants in the United States, describing them as “humiliated.”
At a Glance
- Colombian President Gustavo Petro urged Pope Leo XIV to become an advocate for migrant rights
- Pope Leo XIV (formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost) holds dual US and Peruvian citizenship
- The new pope spent 40 years in Latin America and delivered his first papal address in Spanish
- Latin American leaders welcomed the election of the first American pope with strong ties to their region
- Petro encouraged Latin American migrants in the US to organize and address their challenges
Colombian President’s Call for Papal Support
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has expressed his approval of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost’s election as Pope Leo XIV while calling on the new pontiff to advocate for migrants facing challenges in the United States.
Petro took to social media following the announcement of the new pope, emphasizing not just the historic nature of electing the first American pope, but also highlighting Leo XIV’s deep connections to Latin America, where he spent four decades of his life as a missionary in Peru. The Colombian leader specifically pointed to the difficulties faced by Latin American migrants in the US.
“I hope he becomes a great leader for migrant peoples around the world, and I hope he encourages our Latin American migrant brothers and sisters, humiliated today in the United States. It’s time for them to organize”, said President Gustavo Petro.
In his statements, Petro emphasized that Pope Leo XIV is “more than just an American,” noting that his “immediate ancestors are Latin—Spanish and French—and he lived 40 years in our Latin America, in Peru.”
This connection to the region appears central to Petro’s hope that the new pontiff will take up the cause of migrants who, in the president’s view, face significant challenges and discrimination in the United States. His remarks reflect a broader desire for the Vatican to use its moral authority on migration issues.
A Pope with Strong Latin American Ties
Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, brings unique credentials to the papacy as someone with deep connections to both North and South America. Born in Chicago, Prevost holds dual American and Peruvian citizenship after his extensive missionary work in Peru as an Augustinian priest. His election marks a significant moment for Catholics in the Americas, as he becomes the first U.S.-born pope while also maintaining strong ties to Latin America. In his first address as pope, he chose to speak in Spanish, demonstrating his affinity for the region.
“Today, we celebrate a historic moment for Peru and the world: the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Peruvian citizen by choice and heart, as the new Pope Leo XIV. This milestone marks not only the first time an American has ascended to the See of Peter, but also the first time a Peruvian, with over 20 years of service in our land, has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church as Supreme Pontiff.”, said Dina Boluarte.
Peruvian President Dina Boluarte celebrated the election with particular enthusiasm, referring to Leo XIV as “a Peruvian citizen by choice and heart.” The new pope spent more than 20 years serving in Peru, forming deep connections with the local church and culture. This background gives him firsthand knowledge of the issues facing Latin American communities, including the factors that drive migration to the United States and the challenges migrants face upon arrival.
Regional Leaders Express High Expectations
Leaders across Latin America have welcomed Pope Leo XIV’s election with optimism, particularly regarding his potential influence on social justice issues. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed hope that the new pope would continue the progressive legacy of Pope Francis, particularly on matters of “peace and social justice, the defense of the environment, dialogue with all peoples and all religions, and respect for the diversity of human beings.” These priorities align with concerns about migrant rights.
“I hope he will continue the legacy of Pope Francis, whose main virtues were the relentless pursuit of peace and social justice, the defense of the environment, dialogue with all peoples and all religions, and respect for the diversity of human beings. We do not need wars, hatred, and intolerance. We need more solidarity and more humanism. May Pope Leo XIV bless us and inspire us in the ongoing quest to build a better and more just world.”, said Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa similarly welcomed the new pontiff, emphasizing the need for unity and guidance during uncertain times. The Argentine presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni offered congratulations while referencing the symbolism of Leo’s name choice, associated with leadership. Together, these responses highlight the region’s expectations that Pope Leo XIV will advocate for issues important to Latin America, with migration concerns prominently featured among them.
