Vatican Releases Documentary on Pope Leo XIV's Mission in Peru

VATICAN CITY - The Vatican has released a compelling documentary titled "León de Perú" that traces the remarkable missionary journey of Pope Leo XIV during his formative years serving the people of Peru, offering unprecedented insight into the pastoral formation of the Church's newest leader.

From Young Missionary to Pope

The documentary reveals the extraordinary path that led Father Sean O'Malley, as he was then known, from a 21-year-old Augustinian missionary to the papacy. The film features extensive footage and personal testimonies that chronicle his decades-long commitment to serving Peru's most vulnerable populations.

Early Mission Work

Pope Leo XIV first arrived in Peru in 1985-86 as a young missionary, spending a transformative year working with local parishes. His dedication to the country was evident when he returned just two years later to Trujillo, where he took on the significant responsibility of overseeing formation for Augustinian novices—a role he faithfully fulfilled until 1999.

Return to Leadership

After years in other assignments, the future pope returned to Peru from 2014-2023, serving first as Apostolic Administrator and later as Bishop of Chiclayo. This extended period of service allowed him to deepen his connection with the Peruvian people and develop the pastoral approach that would later characterize his papacy.

Life of Simplicity and Service

The documentary highlights Pope Leo XIV's remarkable commitment to living simply among the people he served. Witnesses recount how he became known for:

• Practical service: Fixing cars and performing manual labor within the community
• Cultural integration: Eating local food and fully embracing Peruvian customs
• Spiritual leadership: Washing feet during Holy Week ceremonies
• Social justice: Advocating for migrants and challenging corruption
• Crisis response: Personally assisting flood victims during natural disasters

Fighting Abuse and Corruption

The film also documents the future pope's courageous stance against abuse and corruption within both church and civil institutions, establishing early his commitment to transparency and justice that continues to define his papal ministry.

Available to Global Audience

"León de Perú" was produced by Vatican News journalists for the Dicastery for Communication and is now available on YouTube, making this intimate portrait of papal formation accessible to viewers worldwide.

The documentary provides valuable context for understanding Pope Leo XIV's pastoral approach and his deep commitment to serving marginalized communities—qualities that were forged during his transformative decades in Peru.