“Ceviche, cabrito, and seco!”: Pope Leo XIV revealed his love for Peruvian food

On May 8, the Catholic world received the news of the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the new leader of the Church, under the name of Pope Leo XIV.

His proclamation from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican was accompanied by the traditional phrase “Habemus Papam,” pronounced by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti before thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

Leo XIV, 69, is the first American-born and naturalized Peruvian pope, making his election a historic event for both the United States and Peru.

What are Pope Leo XIV’s favorite dishes?

In an interview with Exitosa, Prevost was asked what he would miss most about Peru. Without hesitation, he replied:

“The food is always very pleasant, and everything is positive in Lambayeque. What did I like most about the food? Well, lots of things like ceviche, cabrito, seco, there are so many things I like!”

Furthermore, the current Bishop of Chilayo, Monsignor Edinson Edgardo Farfán Córdova, confirmed that Prevost is fascinated with Peruvian cuisine. “He also really likes duck and rice,” he added.

Pope Leo XIV and his history with Peru

Robert Prevost first arrived in Peru in 1985 as an Augustinian missionary. For nearly four decades, he maintained a constant relationship with the country, which led him to become deeply immersed in its culture.

In 2014, he was appointed apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo by Pope Francis, and a year later he became a Peruvian citizen, fulfilling his commitment to the local community.

During this time, the now Pope Leo XIV developed a profound Peruvian identity, not only spiritually but also personally, sharing his admiration for various aspects of Peruvian culture, especially its cuisine.