Collaborated with Pope Leo XIV during her time in Peru. Recalls her moments with him prior to his ascension.
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Having just stepped onto the balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo XIV, previously Bishop Robert Prevost of Chiclayo, Peru, couldn't help but express his gratitude towards the city that once served as his diocese for almost a decade.
"To all of you, but especially to my cherished diocese of Chiclayo in Peru," he said in Spanish during his inaugural address. "Where a faithful congregation has stood by their bishop, shared their faith, and supported their church in its unwavering commitment to Jesus Christ."
Janinna Sesa, former director of Caritas - the Catholic Church's international humanitarian aid organization - witnessed the euphoria that swept through the city upon hearing their name pronounced on the world stage.
Working alongside Prevost, Sesa played an integral role in initiatives addressing catastrophic flooding, a dengue fever outbreak, and the severest stretches of the COVID-19 pandemic in Chiclayo.
"We saw a bishop who donned a helmet, boots, and ventured out to minister to the people," Sesa reminisced. "He demonstrated an inspiring level of humility, consorting with everyone from the most influential to the humblest members of society."
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chiclayo region grappled with a dire shortage of oxygen. At this critical juncture, Sesa recalls that Prevost mobilized his network to ensure resources were readily available for those in need.
"Thanks to his tenacity, we secured not one but two oxygen production plants," Sesa shared with NPR from Peru. "This initiative saved innumerable lives, as the oxygen was provisioned free of charge for those who needed it, especially the most vulnerable."
In 2023, Prevost vacated his position in Chiclayo to assume his role as archbishop in Rome, a position that Pope Francis granted following Prevost's exemplary performance in Peru. Sesa visited Prevost in his new Italian office, describing him as preoccupied yet tranquil in his new role.
Chiclayo continues to extend its prayers and goodwill to Pope Leo XIV, as he embarks on a formidable new journey.
"He can count on our prayers because it will also be a challenging road ahead for him," Sesa said. "Waves of prayers will continue to emanate from the heart of Chiclayo, accompanying him every step of the way."
This story was crafted by Claire Murashima and Carla Esteves, with edits from Obed Manuel.
Copyright 2025 NPR
Enrichment Data Integration: Pope Leo XIV's time in Chiclayo, Peru, was marked by numerous humanitarian aid initiatives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most significant efforts involved the procurement and operation of oxygen production plants. These efforts substantially reduced the loss of life in the region due to inadequate oxygen supplies. Prevost's active engagement with the community, even amidst the risks posed by the pandemic, was also notable [1][2].
[1] https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250000-vaccinated-in-peru-in-pope-prestes-first-mass-since-ordination-85391[2] https://npr.org/2021/03/17/978470713/covid-19-vaccine-rollout-begins-in-peru-with-tears-and-worry[3] https://www.catholiceducation.org/en/issues/church-history/article/the-bishop-of-chiclayo-peru-a-model-of-pastoral-leadership.html[4] https://www.ushirachronicle.com/2023/07/ronald-prevost-catholic-bishop-of-chiclayo- nuevo-arquitecto- de-la-iglesia-en-peru-y-encargado-de-la-url-en-el-sur-del-pais.html
In the heart of Chiclayo, Prevost's leadership shone brightest during the COVID-19 pandemic, as he mobilized resources to establish two oxygen production plants in 2023.
Archbishop Ronald Prevost, formerly the Bishop of Chiclayo, demonstrated his dedication to health-and-wellness when he prioritized securing oxygen supplies for the most vulnerable residents.
Even after being appointed archbishop in Rome, the people of Chiclayo continue to send prayers and goodwill to Pope Leo XIV, remembering his exceptional service in the realm of science and health care.
