Cebu, a part of Pope Leo XIV’s journey to papacy

Local

BEFORE he wore the white robes of the papacy, Pope Leo XIV walked the humble grounds of Cebu.

The newly elected head of the Catholic Church, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, may be making history as the first American and first Augustinian pope, but for many Filipinos, especially Augustinian friars in Cebu, he is already part of their story.

His election stirred joy and hope across the island, as religious leaders looked forward to the day the Holy Father might once again set foot on Cebuano soil.

Pope Leo XIV’s journey

Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1955, Pope Leo XIV joined the Augustinian Order in the early 1980s. His path in the Church led him to serve as the bishop of Chiclayo in northern Peru for over a decade.

In 2001, he became the Prior General of the Augustinian Order, a role he held with distinction.

He later joined the Congregation for Bishops in 2020, before being appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023, a position that allowed him to advise on the appointment of bishops around the world.

Cebu ties

Cebu, a place rich in Catholic tradition, is home to the revered image of the Holy Child Sto. Niño de Cebu. Housed in the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu (BMSN), this sacred image, entrusted to the care of the Augustinian friars, draws millions of devotees annually.

Pope Leo XIV's connection to Cebu goes back to 2004, when he visited the island as Prior General of the Augustinians. During his visit, he blessed the friary of the Santo Niño Parish in Barangay Mohon, Talisay City.

Fr. Jonas Mejares, who was the parish priest at the time and later served as rector of the BMSN, holds the pope’s visit in high regard.

Even before Pope Leo XIV’s election, Mejares had quietly hoped for his selection.

“He speaks with clarity and precision,” said Mejares, noting the pope’s reputation for impartial decision-making and his quiet yet effective leadership.

Though Pope Leo XIV could not attend the 46th Fiesta Señor Mass in January due to scheduling conflicts, he sent a video message to honor the occasion.

Fiesta Señor is the religious counterpart of the Sinulog Festival.

Mejares shared that he spoke with the pope just weeks before the conclave in April 2024, and his connection to the Augustinian community in Cebu gives hope that a papal visit is no longer just a possibility, but a matter of time.

Five times and more

Fr. Jules Van Almerez, OSA, the media liaison for BMSN, expressed pride in the Augustinian community and the people of Cebu as they celebrate this historic moment.

He recalled meeting Pope Leo XIV in 2010, during which the then-Augustinian Prior General expressed deep admiration for Filipino vocations.

In addition to his visit to Talisay City in 2004, Pope Leo XIV visited Cebu on five occasions, including notable visits in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2012.

Almerez fondly recalled the pope’s interaction with seminarians during his 2010 visit, encouraging them to embrace the call to vocation.

He expressed his hope that Pope Leo XIV would one day return to Cebu to celebrate Mass during the Fiesta Señor, as he did during his third visit in 2009, further strengthening the bond between the pope and the Filipino people.(MyTVCebu)