Peruvians are elated after a Catholic cardinal who spent years guiding the faithful in the South American country was elected pope and hoped he will visit them soon in his new role.

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.

Philadelphia woman confirmed by Pope Leo XIV in Peru says she prays for pontiff daily 02:01. As the world looks to the future under newly elected Pope Leo XIV, one woman in Philad

In the small Peruvian town of Eten, the faithful flock every year to celebrate an apparent 17th century miracle featuring images of the child Jesus, a sacred phenomenon not yet recognized by the Vatican.

Cardinal Prevost's time in Peru crucial for his election as pope New Pope Leo ... Cardinal Robert Prevost may be the first person from the U.S. to become the head of the Catholic Church but his surprising election by the world's cardinals as Pope Leo ...

In Peru, he served as a prior ... Despite being elevated to one of the most powerful offices within the Catholic Church, Leo insisted that his identity remained rooted in service.

On the second day of the conclave, white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel, meaning a new pope has been elected.

Standing on loggia of St. Peter’s basilica, newly elected Pope Leo XIV smiled, waved and appeared to hold back emotion May 8 as he introduced himself to the world as the 266th successor to St. Peter – the first American to hold that role. His first words: “Peace be with you!”