Pope Leo XIV's friend and big brother': I think he didn't call himself Francis II' so as not to upset the conservative cardinals

In Chiclayo, Peru, an elderly priest, Pedro Vasquez, reflects on his long friendship with Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV. Vasquez finds himself both joyful and uncertain after seeing his friend become pontiff and contemplates how to address him on WhatsApp. Their bond has persisted across years, culminating in an emotional reaction from Vasquez upon witnessing Prevost's papal investiture. He reminisces about their connection and past challenges, asserting that Prevost often turned to him for spiritual support, highlighting their unique relationship amid significant changes in the Catholic Church.

Pedro Vasquez, an 82-year-old priest, reflects on his close friendship with Robert Prevost, now Leo XIV, expressing both joy and nervousness in connecting after his papacy.

Vasquez reveals the emotional moment when he saw his friend, now Pope, don the red cape, evoking tears and a sense of pride in their shared history.

Read at english.elpais.com