Peruvian priest Father Edgard Iván Rimacuna Inga, private secretary to Pope Leo XIV, said that the Holy Father “has not changed” since his years as bishop in Peru and is still accessible, calm, and has a great ability to listen.
In an interview with Spanish media outlet Alpha and Omega, the priest, who first met the pontiff when their paths crossed in Chiclayo, Peru, stressed that despite his new responsibilities, the Pope “remains the same.”
He said, “The only thing that has changed is his attire, which is now white, and his responsibilities; otherwise, the man we all know is exactly the same: friendly, calm, an excellent listener and always available.”
A discreet service with the Pope
Rimayakuna explained that her role as personal secretary includes accompanying the Holy Father in his daily life and ensuring that he gets the time and space he needs to relax.
He said, “In my particular case, it means working with a friend, and also acting as a person who assists and protects him in his daily tasks, so that he is able to carry out his duties in a peaceful environment.”
The priest also said his role is defined by prudence, with the Pope always in the spotlight.
“Nobody teaches you how to be the Pope’s secretary, because it’s a responsibility that comes upon you suddenly,” he remarked, explaining that he drew inspiration from St. Joseph and St. John the Baptist.
He highlights the silence of St. Joseph and his ability to remain in the background and the attitude of humility of St. John the Baptist, expressed in the phrase: “It is fitting that I should decrease and he should increase.”
He said, “I believe these are two images that summarize the mission, the job, of a secretary: taking second place, and making the other person the center of attention.”
Latin American warmth in the Holy See
Rimacuna also said the pope’s experience in Latin America has shaped his governing style, especially his closeness to the people.
“In Latin America, we are accustomed to physical closeness, close contact,” he explained, noting that this characteristic is reflected in particular ways by the pontiff, such as “greeting, smiling, offering a word of encouragement, or making a small gesture.”
Some observers consider Leo’s papacy to be reserved, and Rimacuna confirmed that this reserve is part of the Pope’s personality: “He is reserved because it is simply his nature – always prudent, calm and patient – but his years in Peru have also helped him to maintain closeness with the people.”
In this regard, he said that the Pope manages to integrate “prudence and pragmatism” with the “cordial, accepting and affectionate” gestures characteristic of Latin America.
on apostolic visit to spain
Regarding the upcoming apostolic visit to Spain, the Pope’s private secretary said that its primary importance will lie in the closeness of the shepherd to his flock.
He also highlighted that the Holy Father wanted to acknowledge Spain’s historical contribution to the Church.
“Throughout history, Spain has been known as a land that has given birth to many saints,” he said, emphasizing that the visit would also serve as a sign of “gratitude for what Spain has given to the world and the Church in terms of faith and Christian life.”
this story was first published By ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language affiliate of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
