‘León de Perú’: New Vatican Documentary traces the Missionary journey of Pope Leo XIV in Peru
A new Vatican documentary titled “León de Perú” offers an intimate and moving portrayal of the early missionary life of Robert Francis Prevost—now Pope Leo XIV—during his decades of service in Peru.
Released by the Editorial Directorate of the Dicastery for Communication, the film sheds light on the formative experiences that helped shape the heart and vision of the current Pontiff.
The documentary, produced by Vatican News journalists Salvatore Cernuzio, Felipe Herrera-Espaliat, and Jaime Vizcaíno Haro, retraces the journey of Pope Leo XIV as an Augustinian missionary in northern Peru, where he served the local Church with humility, closeness, and intercultural sensitivity.
From parish ministry in rural communities to his eventual role as Bishop of Chiclayo, the film offers viewers a rare glimpse into the Pope’s deep commitment to walking with the poor, the indigenous, and those on the margins.
Drawing from rare archival footage, personal photos, and testimonies from those who served alongside him, León de Perú Perúcaptures the simplicity, warmth, and pastoral zeal that characterized Bishop Prevost’s mission.
He is shown not merely as an administrator but as a shepherd who listened, learned local languages, and accompanied communities through their struggles, joys, and hopes.
The documentary also highlights how these early experiences forged the values that defined Pope Leo XIV: synodality, intercultural dialogue, and a Church that embraces the peripheries.
These themes echo in his recent speeches and decisions as Pope, reinforcing a leadership style rooted in presence, participation, and pastoral accompaniment.
“León de Perú” is more than a biographical sketch—it is a testimony to missionary discipleship and the transformative effects of living the Gospel in the heart of a people.
It invites the global Church to rediscover the foundational vocation of service and solidarity, which marked the Pope’s ministry in the dusty towns of Peru long before he appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
The documentary is now available for viewing on Vatican News platforms and serves as part of a broader initiative to introduce the life and spirituality of Pope Leo XIV to audiences around the world.
📺 Watch the full documentary here:
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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