Leo XIV: "I Never Dreamed I Would Succeed Pope Francis"

Leo XIV Served as a Missionary in Peru for 20 Years
Trump Delivers Invitation to Pope for U.S. Visit
First Overseas Trip Likely to Be T?rkiye

Pope Leo XIV revealed that he never expected to become the new leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.

On the 20th (local time), Yonhap News Agency, citing Italy's ANSA news agency, reported that Leo XIV held a meeting the previous day at the Vatican with a delegation from Lambayeque Province, Peru. During this meeting, Leo XIV said, "I always hoped for Pope Francis's recovery," and added, "After he was discharged from the hospital, I went to meet him in person. I never imagined that I would become his successor." The Pope continued, "God's will is sometimes difficult to understand, but we must learn to accept it," emphasizing, "We must entrust our lives to God's hands."

Pope Leo XIV revealed that he never expected to become the new leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. On the 20th (local time), Yonhap News Agency, citing Italy's ANSA news agency, reported that Leo XIV held a meeting the previous day with a delegation from Lambayeque Province, Peru, at the Vatican. AFP, Yonhap News Agency

Earlier, on the 18th, the Lambayeque delegation visited the Vatican to attend the enthronement Mass of Leo XIV. According to Andina News Agency, the Lambayeque delegation, representing local residents, delivered a letter of appreciation and gifts, expressing gratitude for Pope Leo XIV's spirit of solidarity, noble character, and unwavering dedication to the Catholic faith. In response, Leo XIV expressed his deep gratitude for the affection of the Peruvian people by shouting "Long live Chiclayo!" to the delegation led by Lambayeque Governor Jorge Perez.

Leo XIV, originally from Chicago, United States, served as a missionary in Peru for 20 years. In 2014, he was dispatched to the Diocese of Chiclayo in Peru by then-Pope Francis and was appointed bishop the following year. He also acquired Peruvian citizenship that same year. In his first official greeting immediately after his election, he expressed special affection by addressing in Spanish, "Beloved Diocese of Chiclayo."

"Pope, Please Visit Your Homeland" - Trump Delivers Invitation to Vatican

Donald Trump, President of the United States, recently sent an official invitation to Leo XIV, who was recently enthroned, asking him to visit the United States. Caroline Rabbit, White House spokesperson, announced on the 19th (local time) that President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump delivered the invitation to the Pope through Vice President JD Vance. Rabbit stated, "Vice President Vance delivered a letter from the President and First Lady to the Pope, conveying their warm regards and asking him to visit the White House as soon as possible."

Meanwhile, Donald Trump, President of the United States, recently sent an official invitation to Leo XIV, who was recently enthroned, asking him to visit the United States. Caroline Rabbit, White House spokesperson, announced on the 19th (local time) that President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump delivered the invitation to the Pope through Vice President JD Vance. AFP Yonhap News

According to materials distributed by the Vatican, Vice President Vance sat across from the Pope at the Apostolic Palace and handed him the invitation in President Trump's name. After receiving it, the Pope replied, "At some point." In addition, Vance presented the Pope with a Chicago Bears NFL jersey. The back of the jersey was inscribed with the name "Pope Leo" and the Roman numeral "XIV" for 14. He also gifted a copy of Saint Augustine's works, "The City of God" and "On Christian Doctrine."

However, despite Trump's invitation, it appears that the Pope's visit to the United States will not take place in the near future. The first overseas destination is likely to be T?rkiye. This is because the late Pope Francis had expressed his intention to visit T?rkiye to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea. The last time a Pope visited the United States was in 2015, during the papacy of Pope Francis. At that time, Pope Francis visited Cuba and then toured Washington D.C., New York, and Philadelphia in the United States.