Father Edgard Iv\u00e1n Rimaycuna described the pope\u2019s unchanged personality and what his role as his personal secretary is like.<\/p>\n
Peruvian priest Father Edgard Iv\u00e1n Rimaycuna Inga, personal secretary to Pope Leo XIV, said the Holy Father \u201chasn\u2019t changed\u201d since his years as a bishop in Peru and is still approachable, serene, and possesses a great capacity for listening.<\/p>\n
In an interview with the Spanish media outlet Alfa and Omega, the priest, who first met the pontiff when their paths crossed in Chiclayo, Peru, emphasized that despite his new responsibilities, the pope \u201cremains the same.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe only things that have changed are his attire, which is now white, and his responsibilities; otherwise, the man we have all come to know remains exactly the same: approachable, calm, an excellent listener, and always available,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
A discreet service alongside the pope<\/p>\n
Rimaycuna explained that his role as personal secretary consists of accompanying the Holy Father in his daily life and ensuring he has the necessary time and space for rest.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt means working alongside a friend, in my particular case, and also serving as the one who assists him in his daily work and protects him, so he is able to carry out his duties in a peaceful atmosphere,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n
The priest also said his role is defined by discretion, in which the spotlight always remains on the pope.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo one teaches you how to be the pope\u2019s secretary, because it\u2019s an assignment that comes upon you quite suddenly,\u201d he remarked, explaining that he has found inspiration in St. Joseph and St. John the Baptist.<\/p>\n
He highlighted St. Joseph\u2019s silence and his capacity to remain in the background and St. John the Baptist\u2019s attitude of humility, expressed in the phrase: \u201cIt is fitting that I decrease and that he increase.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe that these are the two images that summarize the mission, the task, of a secretary: to take second place, and for the other person to be the center of attention,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n
Latin American warmth in the pontificate<\/p>\n
Rimaycuna also said the pope\u2019s experience in Latin America has shaped his style of governance, particularly in his closeness to people.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn Latin America, we are accustomed to physical closeness, close contact,\u201d he explained, noting that this characteristic is reflected by the pontiff in particular ways, such as \u201coffering a greeting, smiling, offering a word of encouragement, or making a small gesture.\u201d<\/p>\n
Some observers perceive Leo\u2019s pontificate as reserved, and Rimaycuna confirmed that this reservedness is part of the pope\u2019s personality: \u201cHe is reserved because that is simply his nature \u2014 always prudent, calm, and patient \u2014 but his years in Peru have also helped him maintain that closeness with the people.\u201d<\/p>\n
In this regard, he added that the pope manages to integrate \u201cprudence and practicality\u201d with the \u201ccordial, approachable, and affectionate\u201d gestures characteristic of Latin America.<\/p>\n
On the apostolic journey to Spain<\/p>\n
Regarding the upcoming apostolic journey to Spain, the pope\u2019s personal secretary noted that its primary significance will lie in the closeness of the shepherd to his flock.<\/p>\n
He also highlighted that the Holy Father seeks to acknowledge Spain\u2019s historical contribution to the Church.<\/p>\n
\u201cThroughout history, Spain has been characterized as a land that has produced many saints,\u201d he stated, emphasizing that the trip would also serve as a gesture of \u201cgratitude for all that Spain has given to the world and to the Church in terms of faith and Christian life.\u201d<\/p>\n
This story\u00a0was first published\u00a0by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.<\/p>\n