Peruvian Immigrant Shares Emotional Connection to Pope Leo XIV

News Summary

Fernanda Custodio, a Peruvian immigrant in Philadelphia, expresses her deep emotional ties to Pope Leo XIV after being confirmed by him. Following his election, she reflects on how their bond through faith and family events has shaped her spiritual journey. Custodio hopes for a peaceful papacy that bridges connection and harmony among believers, highlighting her family’s reverence for the new pope.

Philadelphia – Fernanda Custodio, a Peruvian immigrant residing in Brewerytown, Philadelphia, has voiced her deep emotional connection to the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, after being confirmed in the Catholic Church by him in 2016. This significant event came to light following Pope Leo XIV’s election on May 8, 2025, marking a historic moment in the Catholic Church.

Pope Leo XIV, previously known as Robert Prevost, is recognized as the 267th leader of the Catholic Church. His election is considered a pivotal chapter that may invigorate the global Catholic community, particularly in the United States. Custodio expressed overwhelming emotion at the news of the pope’s election, recalling tears of joy and the significance it holds for her personally and for believers worldwide.

Having grown up in Chiclayo, Peru, where her family was devoted to attending Mass, Custodio’s connection to Pope Leo XIV, who served for nearly a decade as a bishop in that parish, runs deep. She reminisced about the day she received her confirmation, stating that the pope smiled at her and granted her a blessing, an experience she holds dear especially after facing the loss of her father in the same year.

Custodio’s faith was put to the test following her father’s death, leaving her feeling vulnerable and uncertain. However, the Mass she attended led by Pope Leo offered her comfort, as she sensed a protective presence around him and felt that his warmth brought individuals closer to God. Her family’s relationship with Pope Leo did not end with her confirmation; her younger brothers were also baptized and confirmed by him, reinforcing their family’s connection to the newly elected pope.

Custodio’s mother described the announcement of the pope’s election as a “miracle,” indicating the high regard and hope the family holds for his leadership. Within the context of these sentiments, Custodio conveyed hope that Pope Leo XIV will foster peace across the globe, emphasizing the urgent need for harmony in today’s world. She pledges to pray for the pope nightly and anticipates sharing their family’s rich connection with her young daughter in the future.

The election of Pope Leo XIV signifies a broader movement for revitalization within the Church. His past connections to the Philadelphia area, such as his time at Villanova University in Delaware County where he became an Augustinian friar, highlight his roots in the region, which may resonate with local congregants. Moreover, Rev. Paul Galetto, a former roommate of Pope Leo XIV, fondly recalled their friendship and expressed confidence in the new pope’s character and leadership qualities, expecting that he will lead with humility and a spirit of service.

As Pope Leo XIV begins his tenure, many within the Catholic Church and beyond are looking toward his leadership with optimism, believing he may usher in a new era of engagement and connection among followers. Custodio, along with countless others, hopes that this new papacy will be a guiding light during challenging times, as they earnestly look toward the future of their faith and community.

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Additional Resources

• MSN News
• Wikipedia: Pope Leo XIV
• Philadelphia Sunday Sun
• Google Search: Pope Leo XIV
• Metro Philadelphia
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Pope Leo XIV