May 10, 2025 - As the Catholic community across the world celebrates the election of the first American Pope, Robert Prevost, as Pope Leo XIV, the joy is even more personal in the Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. For many in the Christian communities of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, it feels as if someone familiar and close to their hearts has ascended to the Holy See.

This deeper connection stems from the Pope’s past association with these regions. From 2001 to 2013, Prevost served as the Prior General of the Augustinian Order and visited India twice — in 2004 and 2006. During his visits, he attended an Archbishop’s consecration ceremony in Kerala and also visited the Shenbagam Matriculation Higher Secondary School near Coimbatore. The school still preserves a photograph of his visit with great pride.

Those who met him during that time remember him as a leader who was approachable, humble and deeply warm.

Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected by the Papal Conclave 2025 as the first US-born pontiff and leader of the Roman Catholic Church on May 8, 2025.  He spent much of his career as a missionary in South America and holds dual citizenship in the US and Peru, where he served as a Bishop

Source: Media Reports