Peru's president, Dina Boluarte, described Pope Leo as Peruvian "by choice and conviction". "The pope is Peruvian; God loves Peru," she said. Born in Chicago in 1955, he is the son of Louis Marius Prevost, of French and Italian descent, and Mildred Martinez, of Spanish descent.

Janinna Sesa worked alongside Pope Leo XIV in Chiclayo, Peru from 2015 until 2023. She spoke with NPR about his leadership in times of crisis.

In a jubilant atmosphere, more than 10,000 faithful gathered in front of the Basilica and Cathedral of Santa María de Chiclayo (Peru) to celebrate a Thanksgiving Mass for the election of Pope Leo XIV.