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Mahigit 300 voting machines, nagkaaberya

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Mahigit 300 voting machines, nagkaaberya

MAYNILA. Umabot sa 311 automated counting machines (ACMs) ang iniulat ng Commission on Elections (Comelec) na nagkaaberya sa kasagsagan ng midterm elections noong Mayo 12, ayon sa pahayag ni Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia sa isang pulong balitaan kagabi.

Bagamat ikinabahala ng ilan ang naturang aberya, tiniyak ni Garcia na mas mababa ito kumpara sa humigit-kumulang 2,500 machines na pumalya noong 2022 presidential elections.

Kabilang sa mga karaniwang naging problema ng mga makina ay ang hindi pagtanggap o pag-reject ng mga balota. Naobserbahan din ang mga isyu sa takip ng makina, scanner, screen, at iba pang bahagi ng ACMs.

Tungkol naman sa ilang ulat ng hindi umano pagtutugma ng mga resibo sa aktuwal na balotang pinunan ng mga botante, nilinaw ni Garcia na wala pa silang sapat na batayan para kumpirmahin ang mga ito.

Ayon kay Garcia, “Napakalaki ng posibilidad na nakalimutan lamang ng mga botante kung sino ang ibinoto nila o di kaya ay nagkamali ang mga ito sa pagboto sa kanilang balota.”

Gayunpaman, tiniyak ng Comelec na kaagad na napalitan ang mga pumalyang makina upang hindi maantala ang proseso ng pagboto. Aniya, “16,000 ang contingency natin. In fact nung 2022, umaga pa lang 2,500 na makina na ang pinapalitan. Of course, mga lumang makina ‘yan. Ang sa amin preventive measure, kahit ‘di pa sira ang makina pero nagpapakita na ng indication, pinu-pull out na agad.”

Dagdag pa ni Garcia, wala ni isang kaso ng failure of elections na naitala sa anumang bahagi ng bansa. “Wala po tayong failure of elections whatsoever,” giit niya. “Lahat naman po ay nag-function.”

Pinasalamatan rin ni Garcia ang lahat ng kawani ng Comelec sa matagumpay na pagdaraos ng 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE).

Pinaliwanag din niya ang kahulugan ng failure of elections, na aniya ay nangyayari lamang kapag hindi nakarating ang mga election paraphernalia, hindi dumating ang mga guro na magsisilbing electoral board, at nauwi ito sa kabiguang maisagawa ang aktwal na halalan.

Samantala, nanawagan si Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Arlene Brosas sa Comelec na isaalang-alang ang paggamit ng manual ballot counting sa lahat ng mga presinto sa bansa. Ito ay upang matiyak umano ang kredibilidad ng resulta ng eleksyon, lalo na sa harap ng mga ulat ng aberya sa mga makina.

Ipinunto rin ni Brosas ang paggamit ng bersyon 3.5 ng ACM software sa isinagawang Final Testing and Sealing (FTS) sa halip na ang mas ligtas at sertipikadong bersyon 3.4 na dumaan na sa local source code review at pagsusuri ng isang international third party.

Hamas signals release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Hamas signals release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander

CAIRO. A senior Hamas official told Reuters on Sunday that Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander will soon be released in Gaza, a move that key mediators Qatar and Egypt hailed as a positive development toward reviving stalled ceasefire talks in the war-ravaged enclave.

While Hamas gave no specific timeline, a source familiar with the matter said the release of Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli soldier born and raised in New Jersey, could take place as early as Tuesday.

Hamas said the move is part of a broader effort to reach a ceasefire deal and allow the entry of much-needed humanitarian aid into Gaza. Alexander is believed to be the last surviving American hostage held by the militant group.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to visit the Middle East this week, welcomed the development. His special envoy, Adam Boehler, described the anticipated release as “a positive step forward,” adding, “We would also ask that Hamas release the bodies of four other Americans that were taken.”

In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed gratitude to all parties involved:
“This was a step taken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators, Qatar and Egypt, to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones,” he wrote.

The war in Gaza began after a deadly Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which left 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli figures. In response, Israel launched a large-scale military operation that has killed over 52,800 Palestinians, according to local health authorities. The offensive has devastated the Gaza Strip and left its 2.3 million residents dependent on aid, which has dwindled due to a blockade imposed by Israel in March.

In a joint statement, Qatar and Egypt described Hamas’ decision to release Alexander as “encouraging” and signaled their intent, along with the United States, to push for a renewed ceasefire and improved humanitarian conditions in Gaza.

Exiled Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya said efforts to facilitate Alexander’s release were coordinated by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.
“The movement affirms its readiness to immediately start intensive negotiations and make serious efforts to reach a final agreement to end the war, exchange prisoners in an agreed-upon manner,” Hayya said.

A source briefed on the negotiations told Reuters that direct talks involving officials from the U.S., Qatar, Egypt, and Hamas led to the breakthrough.

Israeli media reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a closed-door session with the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, indicated that Hamas may release Alexander as a goodwill gesture toward Trump. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the U.S. informed Israel that Alexander’s release could pave the way for broader negotiations over remaining hostages.

Israel’s military campaign resumed in March after Hamas rejected a proposal to extend a previous ceasefire that had enabled the release of 38 hostages. Israeli forces have since continued their ground and aerial assault, asserting that operations will persist until all hostages are freed and Gaza is demilitarized.

Hamas, meanwhile, has maintained that any further releases will only happen within the framework of a deal to end the war and has rejected Israel’s demands to disarm.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson reiterated Washington’s stance that Hamas is solely responsible for both the ongoing conflict and the failure to maintain the ceasefire.

Maagang dumagsa ang mga botante sa Laguna sa Eleksyon 2025

Venus L Peñaflor
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Maagang dumagsa ang mga botante sa Laguna sa Eleksyon 2025

LAGUNA. Maagang nagparamdam ang sigasig ng mga botante sa iba’t ibang bayan ng Laguna ngayong Lunes, Mayo 12, sa pagsisimula ng halalan para sa pambansa at lokal na posisyon sa Eleksyon 2025.

Bago pa man sumapit ang alas singko ng umaga, dagsa na ang mga botante sa mga paaralan tulad ng Pedro Guevara Memorial National High School sa Sta. Cruz at San Pablo Central School sa San Pablo City. Karamihan sa kanila ay nais makaboto nang maaga upang maiwasan ang siksikan at matinding init sa kalagitnaan ng araw.

Isa sa mga naunang bumoto sa San Pablo City ay si Mayor Vicente Amante, na dumating nang maaga sa San Pablo Central School upang maisagawa ang kanyang karapatang bumoto. Ayon sa ilang residente, “Nakakatuwa pong makita ang mismong mayor na nirerespeto ang proseso ng eleksyon at bumoboto nang maaga kasama namin.”

Upang mas mapadali ang pagboto ng mga senior citizens at persons with disabilities (PWDs), inilaan ang mga ground floor ng mga paaralan bilang kanilang voting area. Ayon kay Ginang Aurora Reyes, 72, isang retiradong guro mula sa Liliw, “Maganda po na hindi na kami pinapapila sa matataas na palapag. Malaking tulong ito sa aming matatanda.”

Sa mga paaralang gaya ng Calamba Elementary School at Biñan Integrated School, kapansin-pansin na ang mahabang pila ng mga botante sa bawat polling precinct. Kahit maalinsangan ang panahon, hindi ito naging hadlang sa mga mamamayang nais makaboto. “Para sa kinabukasan ng Laguna, titiisin ko ang init,” pahayag ni Mang Ben, isang tricycle driver mula Calamba.

May mga nakapaskil na gabay sa pagboto at Help Desk sa mga eskwelahan upang tulungan ang mga botante sa kanilang proseso. Laking gulat din ng ilang guro at guwardiya na wala nang halos namataan na mga namimigay ng sample ballots sa labas ng polling areas. “Mukhang mas disiplinado na ang mga tao ngayon,” ani ni Teacher Marissa, isang volunteer poll assistant.

Samantala, sa Sta. Rosa City, inaasahang boboto si dating alkalde Arman San Pedro sa Sta. Rosa Elementary School. Marami sa kanyang mga taga-suporta ang nagtungo roon, umaasang makikita muli ang politiko na nagnanais muling tumakbo sa lokal na puwesto. “Kagaya ng dati, dito pa rin siya bumoboto. Sana ay manalo siya muli,” ayon kay Aling Lorna, isang masugid na tagasuporta.

Sa kasalukuyan, wala pang naitatalang aberya sa mga polling precinct sa Laguna, kabilang na sa mga makinang ginagamit para sa pagboto ngayong halalan. Ayon sa isang opisyal ng COMELEC-Laguna, “Maayos po ang takbo ng botohan. Patuloy ang monitoring para masigurong ligtas at malinis ang eleksyon.”

Patuloy ang pagbabantay ng mga awtoridad at volunteers sa buong probinsya upang masigurong magiging matiwasay at maayos ang takbo ng Eleksyon 2025.

Chairman Jeng Mendoza ng Brgy. 6D, San Pablo City, nakikitang nagbabantay sa labas ng presinto kasama ang mga pulis upang masigurong maayos at mapayapa ang daloy ng halalan ngayong Eleksyon 2025.
Bumoboto si Laguna vice gubernatorial candidate Gem Amante, ka-tandem ni Cong. Dan Fernandez sa pagka-gobernador, sa isang presinto sa San Pablo City ngayong Eleksyon 2025

Pope Leo makes first trip outside Vatican, visits Marian shrine and Pope Francis’ tomb

Venus L Peñaflor
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Pope Leo makes first trip outside Vatican, visits Marian shrine and Pope Francis’ tomb

VATICAN CITY. Newly elected Pope Leo XIV made his first trip outside the Vatican on Saturday, visiting a Marian shrine in the small Italian town of Genazzano and stopping at the tomb of his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, on his way back to Rome.

Riding in the passenger seat of a Volkswagen, Pope Leo arrived at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, where he was greeted by light cheers of “Viva il papa” (“Long live the Pope”) from those present. The pontiff walked slowly toward the simple tomb of Pope Francis and laid a single white flower before kneeling in silent prayer.

The gesture marked a deeply symbolic moment, as Francis, who passed away on April 21, had requested to be buried at St. Mary Major, a basilica he deeply revered. His tomb bears only the Latin inscription “Franciscus,” in keeping with his wishes for simplicity. In the days following his burial, more than 30,000 mourners visited the church to pay their respects.

Earlier that day, Pope Leo had visited the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano, about an hour’s drive east of Rome. The shrine, operated by the Augustinian religious order to which Pope Leo belongs, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

The pope greeted well-wishers, offered blessings, and shook hands with a few people outside before entering the shrine. According to a Vatican statement, Pope Leo told those gathered that he had come to “pray for guidance in the first days of his papacy.”

Pope Leo, formerly U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost, was elected to the papacy on May 8, following the death of Francis. His decision to visit both the Marian shrine and his predecessor’s tomb on his first outing as pontiff reflects both personal devotion and a symbolic continuation of Francis’ pastoral and spiritual legacy.

Tahimik at maayos na halalan sa Mayo 12, tiniyak ng Comelec

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Tahimik at maayos na halalan sa Mayo 12, tiniyak ng Comelec

MAYNILA. Tiwala si Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia na magiging maayos at mapayapa ang halalan sa darating na Lunes, Mayo 12, sa kabila ng mga hamon sa kampanya laban sa misinformation at paglabag sa mga patakaran ng pangangampanya.

“Napakataas ng ating paniniwala sa mga kababayan nating botante na sila ay boboto at magiging tahimik ang ating eleksyon,” pahayag ni Garcia sa isang panayam ng Dobol B TV nitong Sabado.

Ayon kay Garcia, inaasahan na magiging mabilis ang takbo ng botohan dahil maayos ang pagkakaayos ng sistema at proseso. Aniya, ito ay makatutulong upang mapabilis ang proklamasyon ng mga nanalong kandidato.

Umapela rin ang Comelec chief sa publiko na magtiwala sa proseso ng halalan at huwag magpapaniwala sa mga maling impormasyon na kumakalat online.

“Paniwalaan lang natin ang sistema at ­proseso at ‘wag paniwalaan ‘yung mga kasinu­ngalingan na nakakalat sa atin ngayon, lalo na ‘yung organized misinformation, disinformation at mga fake news,” giit niya.

Pinayuhan din ni Garcia ang mga lokal na kandidato na tanggalin na ang kanilang mga campaign materials, partikular na ang mga malalaking tarpaulin sa mga pangunahing lansangan, bago pa sumapit ang campaign ban.

“Dapat 12:01am, bawal na ang pagkakalaking campaign materials. ‘Yung mga nakakalat sa mga highway, dapat tinatanggal na. Advise natin sa mga kandidato lalo na ‘yung may malalaking tarpaulin, tanggalin na nila ngayong araw,” paalala ni Garcia.

Dagdag pa niya, “Bukas ng 12:01 am, bawal na ang ­panga­ngampanya… Lahat nang klase ng pangangampanya kahit sa social media.”

Binanggit din ng poll chief na patuloy ang operasyon ng Task Force Baklas sa pagtugis sa mga lumalabag sa election rules, kahit pa sa mismong araw ng halalan.

“Kahit araw ng Lunes, puwede kaming mag-file hangga’t hindi sila napoproklama… Kahit naproklama, puwede ang election offense at kasong kriminal,” ayon kay Garcia.

Binigyang-diin din niya ang mas mataas na pananagutan ng mga botante upang mapigilan ang vote-buying, dahil aniya, “walang makakapamili kung walang magbebenta.”

Kabilang umano sa mga anyo ng vote-buying ang pagbibigay ng libreng sakay at libreng pagkain sa mga botante.

Samantala, pinabulaanan ni Garcia ang mga maling ulat online na nagsasabing maaaring manipulahin ang boto kung hindi kumpleto ang balota.

“Hindi totoo ‘yan. ‘Yan ay kasinungalingan. Kahit kulang ang boto, basta ‘wag lang sosobra, puwede ‘yan… Mabibilang at mabibilang ang boto,” mariin niyang binigyang-linaw.

India and Pakistan observe ceasefire as Trump’s offers help

Venus L Peñaflor
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India and Pakistan observe ceasefire as Trump’s offers help

AMRITSAR, India / MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan. A tentative ceasefire between India and Pakistan appeared to be holding on Sunday, following four days of the most intense cross-border fighting in nearly three decades. The violence, which saw the use of drones and missiles on military installations, left nearly 70 people dead and raised fears of escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

The ceasefire came after diplomatic interventions, including pressure from the United States. However, within hours of the agreement, artillery fire was reported in Indian-administered Kashmir, the epicenter of long-standing territorial tensions between the two countries.

In response to reports of renewed shelling, Indian authorities accused Pakistan of violating the truce and stated that their armed forces had been ordered to “deal strongly” with any future breaches. Pakistan, meanwhile, denied the accusation and reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire, blaming India for the violations.

“Late on Saturday, India said Pakistan had violated the understanding arrived to stop firing and that the Indian armed forces had been instructed to ‘deal strongly’ with any repetition.”

By Sunday morning, calm had returned to much of the border area, and power was restored to several towns on the Indian side following blackout conditions. Residents in cities like Amritsar, where the revered Golden Temple is located, emerged from their homes after sirens signaled a return to normal activity.

“Ever since the day terrorists attacked people in Pahalgam we have been shutting our shops very early and there was an uncertainty. I am happy that at least there will be no bloodshed on both sides,” said Satvir Singh Alhuwalia, a 48-year-old shopkeeper in Amritsar.

The hostilities began on Wednesday, roughly two weeks after an attack in Pahalgam in Indian Kashmir claimed the lives of 26 Hindus. Indian authorities blamed Pakistani-based Islamist groups for the incident. India has long accused Pakistan of supporting militants operating in Kashmir, a charge Islamabad denies, saying it offers only political and diplomatic backing to separatists.

Speaking on the situation, U.S. President Donald Trump applauded the ceasefire and expressed his willingness to play a more active role in resolving the Kashmir conflict.

“While not even discussed, I am going to increase trade, substantially, with both of these great nations. Additionally, I will work with you both to see if… a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

Pakistan officials acknowledged overnight firing in Bhimber, located in Pakistani-administered Kashmir, but reported no casualties elsewhere.

The long-running Kashmir dispute stems from the partition of British India in 1947, which led to the creation of Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan. The two nations have fought three wars since independence, two of them over Kashmir, and the region remains a volatile flashpoint.

For those living along the border, the lull in violence has brought a sense of relief.

“More than me, my family is happy because my children and wife have been calling me every hour to check on me. Thank God the ceasefire happened,” said Guruman Singh, a security guard in Amritsar.

As of Sunday, both countries remain on edge, watching cautiously to see whether the ceasefire will hold and whether any diplomatic breakthroughs on Kashmir can finally be achieved.

Pinoy migrants, balak ipatapon ni Trump sa Libya

Venus L Peñaflor
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Pinoy migrants, balak ipatapon ni Trump sa Libya

MAYNILA. Tinawag ni Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero na malupit at hindi makatarungan ang plano ng Estados Unidos na ipa-deport sa Libya ang mga Asian immigrants, kabilang na ang mga Pilipino. Ang naturang hakbang ay bahagi ng kampanya ni US President Donald Trump para ipatupad ang kanyang mga pangako sa mga mamamayan ng Amerika.

Ang plano ni Trump ay umani ng malawakang pagkondena mula sa iba’t ibang bansa at mga human rights advocates, na nag-aalala tungkol sa kaligtasan at kapakanan ng mga imigrante sa Libya, isang bansa na kilala sa kasaysayan ng malupit na pagtrato sa mga migranteng dumaraan doon.

“Ang mga Pilipino ay hindi mga kamelyo na itatapon sa ilang disyerto ng Libya. Sila ay mga tao na karapat-dapat na bigyan ng lahat ng karapatan ng isang estado na nag-aangking pinahahalagahan at itinataguyod sila,” pahayag ni Escudero. Ayon sa kanya, hindi dapat ituring na isang “parusa” ang pagpapadala ng mga Pilipino sa isang bansa na may kasaysayan ng malupit na pagtrato sa mga imigrante.

Dahil sa mga alalahaning ito, pansamantalang itinigil ng isang US judge ang deportation proceedings ng mga imigrante, kabilang ang mga Pilipino, patungong Libya. Si Judge Brian Murphy ng Massachusetts ang naglabas ng kautusan na nag-aatas ng pansamantalang suspensyon ng deportasyon, batay sa kanyang court order na inilabas noong Marso.

Ang Libya, ayon sa mga ulat, ay may malupit na kasaysayan ng pang-aabuso at kalupitan sa mga detainees. Isinasalaysay ng mga international human rights groups na ang mga migrante sa Libya ay madalas na nakakulong sa mga squalid detention centers, kung saan sila ay dumaranas ng pangingikil, pang-aabuso, panggagahasa, at iba pang uri ng karahasan. Ayon sa isang fact-finding mission na sinusuportahan ng UN, napatunayan ang mga krimen laban sa sangkatauhan sa Libya, tulad ng pagka-alipin, sapilitang pagkawala, tortyur, at pagpatay.

“It’s hell on earth for migrants,” sabi ni Tarek Megerisi, isang senior policy fellow sa European Council on Foreign Relations. “All they will have are different forms of abuse — if they are lucky enough, they will end up on a rickety boat in the Mediterranean,” dagdag pa ni Megerisi, na isang Libyan.

Nagbigay din ng panawagan si Escudero kay Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez na suriin ang kalagayan ng mga Pilipinong nakatakdang i-deport at tiyakin na magkakaroon sila ng sapat na legal na tulong, kung kinakailangan. Ipinahayag din ng senador na handa ang Pilipinas na tanggapin ang mga Pilipinong may problema sa immigration, kung nais ng Estados Unidos na i-deport ang mga ito.

Tinanggihan ng Comelec na pumasok ang EU obeservers sa polling place

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Tinanggihan ng Comelec na pumasok ang EU obeservers sa polling place

MAYNILA. Hindi pinayagan ng Commission on Elections (COMELEC) ang hiling ng European Union Election Observation Mission na makapasok sa loob ng mga polling place sa darating na 2025 midterm elections na nakatakda sa Mayo 12.

Ayon kay Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia, ang pagbibigay ng ganitong pahintulot ay direktang paglabag sa umiiral na batas ng Pilipinas. Tinukoy niya ang 1987 Constitution at ang Omnibus Election Code (OEC), partikular ang Article 7, Section 52(k) B.2 na nagsasaad:

“Members or units of any citizen group or organization so designated by the Comelec, except its lone duly ­accredited watcher, will not be allowed to enter any ­polling place except to vote, and shall, if they so desire, stay in an area at least fifty meters away from the polling place.”

“They (EU observers) asked, why are you not allowing us? I told them our Commission is ­willing to face the consequences simply because that is our law,” pahayag ni Garcia.

Ipinaliwanag pa ng poll chief na ang pangunahing tungkulin ng Comelec ay ipatupad ang batas, hindi labagin ito.

“Under the Constitution, the Comelec is there to enforce and administer the laws. Eh kung kami pa mismo ang violator ng batas natin, paano natin madi-disqualify ang mga kandidatong lumalabag sa batas kung ang Comelec mismo ang violator ng batas natin?” aniya.

Bagaman pinapayagan ang mga dayuhang election observers na magsagawa ng pagmamasid sa eleksyon sa bansa, malinaw na hindi sila maaaring pumasok sa loob ng mga polling place nang walang pahintulot mula sa chairman ng Electoral Board.

“Basic lang eh, hindi mo pa susundin. Basic lang na ito lang ang pupuwedeng pumasok. Kahit mag-issue kami ng resolution na papayagan sila, that resolution will be declared null and void. That resolution is illegal. Because a resolution that is contrary to law is no valid resolution at all. Iyan po ang maliwanag na paliwanag,” dagdag pa ni Garcia.

Sa kabila nito, iginiit ni Garcia na bukas pa rin ang Pilipinas sa mga international observers hangga’t sumusunod ang mga ito sa mga umiiral na alituntunin ng batas.

‘He chose to be one of us’: Peruvians celebrate Pope Leo XIV as their own

Venus L Peñaflor
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‘He chose to be one of us’: Peruvians celebrate Pope Leo XIV as their own

LIMA, Peru. Joy and pride swept across Peru on Thursday as the country celebrated the election of Pope Leo XIV, a missionary-turned-bishop with deep ties to the South American nation, as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church.

The new pontiff, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, holds dual citizenship in the United States and Peru, making him the first pope from either country. Born in Chicago in 1955, Prevost became a Peruvian citizen in 2015 and served for nearly a decade as bishop of Chiclayo in northern Peru.

As white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel and the announcement of Pope Francis’ successor echoed across the globe, cathedral bells rang in Lima, signaling a historic moment that many Peruvians immediately embraced as their own.

“For us Peruvians, it is a source of pride that this is a pope who represents our country,” said Isabel Panez, an elementary school teacher standing outside the Lima Cathedral. “We would like him to visit us here in Peru.”

Standing for the first time on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV addressed the people of Chiclayo in Spanish, paying tribute to the city he once called home. Chiclayo, a bustling urban center near Peru’s northern Pacific coast, was where Prevost served as bishop from 2014 until 2023, when Pope Francis summoned him to Rome to lead the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops.

“He came from Chicago to Chiclayo, the only difference is a few letters,” recalled Diana Celis, a local who attended Masses celebrated by Prevost during his time in Peru. “That was his way of making us feel like he belonged here.”

Prevost’s tenure in Peru was marked not only by pastoral care but also by hands-on action in times of crisis. Janinna Sesa, who worked with him through the Catholic nonprofit Caritas, recounted his tireless work during the 2022 floods that devastated Chiclayo and nearby communities.

“He is the kind of person who will put on boots and wade through the mud,” Sesa said. “He delivered food and blankets in a white pickup truck, slept on a thin mattress on the floor, and ate the peasant diet of potatoes, cheese, and corn. But if carne asada and Coca-Cola were around, he would gladly enjoy those too.”

Sesa also credited Prevost with spearheading efforts to purchase two oxygen-production plants during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which claimed more than 217,000 lives in Peru. “He worked so hard to find help, that there was not only enough for one plant, but for two,” she said.

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte praised the newly elected pope in a video message, calling his election a “historic moment” for both Peru and the United States.

“He chose to be one of us, to live among us, and to carry in his heart the faith, culture, and dreams of this nation,” Boluarte said, recalling that Prevost’s Peruvian citizenship was “an expression of his profound love for Peru.”

Not all reactions were celebratory. The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) raised concerns over Prevost’s handling of clergy abuse complaints during his time as bishop of Chiclayo, particularly in 2022. The Peruvian Bishops’ Conference has not responded to requests for comment on the allegations.

Still, many in Peru view Pope Leo XIV as a symbol of hope and unity. “That’s a beautiful area, but one of the regions that needs lots of hope,” said Thomas Nicolini, a Peruvian student in Rome, referring to Chiclayo. “Now I’m expecting that the new pope helps as many people as possible, and tries to reignite, let’s say, the faith young people have lost.”

Rev. Edinson Farfán, the current bishop of Chiclayo, described Pope Leo XIV as a man deeply attuned to the Church’s social mission. “He will be very sensitive to the social doctrine of the Church and will undoubtedly be attentive to the signs of the times,” he said.

As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, Peruvians across the country are watching with pride, hopeful that one of their own will carry their voice to the heart of the Vatican.

Leo XIV shocks the world as first American pope, vows to continue Francis’ mission

Venus L Peñaflor
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Leo XIV shocks the world as first American pope, vows to continue Francis’ mission

VATICAN CITY. Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago-born missionary with deep roots in Latin America, was elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on Thursday. Taking the name Leo XIV, he becomes the first pontiff from the United States.

White smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney, confirming that the College of Cardinals had reached a decision following the death of Pope Francis last month. Minutes later, Leo XIV stepped onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet a cheering crowd.

“Pace a tutti voi,” the new pope declared in fluent Italian, “Peace be with you all.” He also spoke briefly in Spanish but did not address the crowd in English.

Although born in Chicago, Prevost holds dual citizenship with Peru, where he spent much of his life in missionary work and later served as bishop of Chiclayo. He became a cardinal only in 2023 and was considered a long shot for the papacy due to his reserved public persona and limited media exposure.

His appointment was immediately celebrated in Peru. President Dina Boluarte’s office posted on X: “Su cercanía con los más necesitados dejó una huella imborrable en los corazones del Perú” (His closeness to those most in need left an indelible mark on the hearts of Peru).

Back in the United States, the news triggered both celebration and controversy. Former President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social:

“What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”

However, previous social media activity from Prevost’s X account showed criticism of both Trump and Vice President JD Vance’s policies. Scholars like Villanova University’s Professor Massimo Faggioli suggested that the very divisiveness of the Trump-era politics may have swayed cardinals toward electing a pope who could respond with compassion and clarity.

“The international upheaval of the rhetoric of the Trump presidency, paradoxically, made possible the impossible,” said Faggioli.
“Trump has broken many taboos, the conclave now has done the same — in a very different key.”

Pope Leo’s address included gratitude to his predecessor Francis, and a reaffirmation of the Church’s commitment to social justice and outreach.

“La Chiesa deve essere sempre vicina al popolo, specialmente a chi soffre,” he said, “The Church must always be close to the people, especially those who are suffering.”

Francis, the first Latin American pope, led the Church for 12 years and introduced numerous reforms, including a willingness to engage in open dialogue about controversial issues such as the role of women in the Church and LGBTQ inclusion. Leo XIV is expected to continue many of those initiatives.

His appearance in traditional red papal garments over a white cassock marked a contrast with Francis, who famously rejected many papal formalities. Reactions in St. Peter’s Square ranged from surprise to joy.

“I’m just thrilled. I hope this can bring to America a more loving community. I think there’s a lot of hate in America. I think there’s a lot of racism. I have experienced it,” said Lailah Brown, 28, an African American pilgrim from Seattle.

“I hope America does not embarrass the pope,” she added.

Yet, not everyone was jubilant. SNAP, the U.S.-based advocacy group for victims of clerical abuse, expressed “grave concern” over Leo XIV’s election, citing past allegations that he failed to act decisively against predatory priests in Chicago and Peru.

“You can end the abuse crisis, the only question is, will you?” the group asked in an open statement.

In a 2023 interview with Vatican News, Prevost acknowledged the need for transparency, saying the Church “must be honest and courageous” in addressing abuse allegations.

Back in Chicago, the Catholic Theological Union, where Prevost earned his master’s degree in 1982, erupted in celebration.

“It was an explosion of excitement and cheers that went up in the room … many of us were just simply incredulous and just couldn’t even find words to express our delight, our pride,” said Sister Barbara Reid, the school’s president.

She praised Leo XIV as “an intellectually brilliant man” with a “compassionate heart” and “a leader who listens to the cries of the poorest.”

The choice of the name Leo holds deep historical resonance. The last pope to take that name, Leo XIII (1878–1903), was renowned for championing social justice and laying the groundwork for modern Catholic social teaching, values that Prevost has consistently upheld.

Before coming to Rome in 2023 to lead the Vatican office responsible for selecting bishops, Prevost served as bishop of Chiclayo for eight years, gaining respect for his dedication to the poor and marginalized.

With the world now watching closely, Pope Leo XIV faces the monumental task of shepherding a global Church through a time of internal reform, geopolitical unrest, and rising secularism, a challenge he appears ready to embrace with humility and conviction.

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