Newly-elected Pope Leo XIV has strong Peruvian ties
May 9, 2025
Robert Francis Prevost Martinez, a Chicago native who was elected Pope yesterday, spent much of his career in Peru and has actually held Peruvian citizenship since 2015 (according to the Peruvian Health Ministry, the new pope is even affiliated to the Peruvian healthcare system). Prevost, who took the papal name Leo XIV, spent more than 20 years in Peru first as a missionary and then as a bishop.
Pope Leo becomes the second pontiff from Latin America, succeeding the Argentine Pope Francis who passed away last month. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte said the “historic” election “fills our nation with pride and hope.” “It’s like winning the World Cup,” said Lima resident Cecilia Durand upon hearing the news.
Pope Leo had previously expressed criticism of the Boluarte administration and its handling of protests in December 2022, which resulted in the deaths of 49 people. He had also requested former President Alberto Fujimori to ask for forgiveness for the victims of his government’s actions. Chilcayo native Rosa María Vílchez said, “I hope that he brings a little peace, that he can stabilize the country in some way, because Peruvians are, mainly, very faithful and very Catholic.”
(Guardian, X, AP News, MercoPress, Guardian, X)
Colombia
In Foreign Affairs, Elizabeth Dickinson calls attention to the increasing child recruitment by armed criminal groups, particularly since the demobilization of the FARC, as they seek a larger stake in the illicit drug production and trafficking, mining, and gun running illegal activities.
Mexico
The Monday arrest of Teuchitlán mayor José Murguía Santiago for alleged ties to the New Generation Jalisco Cartel (CJNG) reveals the extensive and often symbiotic relationship between state and criminal structures in Mexico, writes Joshua Collins in Pirate Wire Services. (see 5/6 LADB)
On Wednesday, May 14, ACLED will host a live conversation on how gang fights for territorial control are redrawing Mexico’s criminal map.
Haiti
In the Miami Herald, Daniel Jean-Louis, president of the Baptist Haiti Mission (BHM) writes an open letter to the United Nations asking for urgent help to intervene in the country’s escalating crisis. In April, he said, “the United Nations Security Council held its latest briefing on Haiti. Watching it felt like observing a roomful of doctors debate treatment options while a patient bleeds out on the table.”
NGOs have warned that the United States’ designation of Haiti’s major gangs as terrorist organizations could potentially risk the financial and humanitarian aid reaching the country, according to Reuters.
Criminal Organizations
InSight Crime assesses how criminal groups in Latin America, such as the CJNG and Sinaloa cartels in Mexico and the PCC in Brazil, have adapted their illegal operations to the modern age through digital crimes like online scams and cybercrime, among others.
Energy
A Guardian article highlights how off-grid solar energy systems and other clean electricity solutions are increasing connectivity in remote areas. The Aylluq Q’Anchaynin, developed by Peruvian Roxana Borda Mamani and other students at the Energy Observatory, seeks to “promote the autonomy and self-management of the energy and communication systems,” according to Borda.
Brazil
President Lula da Silva, who has been in Moscow since Friday, celebrated Victory Day in Russia to commemorate the Soviet Union’s defeat of Germany in World War 2, reports MercoPress.
According to AP News, Brazil, which is set to hold the UN climate conference COP30 in November, is drawing attention from activists who argue that the construction of a 13-kilometer road that cuts across the Amazon near conference city host Belem is in direct contrast with the central aims of climate conferences.
In World Politics Review, Natalie Samarasinghe and Giovanna Kuele call for Lula to capitalize on his increased participation in multilateral fora and agenda and back up his spoken intentions with actions.
Panama
Panama will not negotiate an agreement with the U.S., confirmed President José Raúl Molino on Thursday, following large protests against a deal that would have given U.S. troops access to Panamanian facilities, reports AP News.
In the Latin America Risk Report, James Bosworth notes the domestic importance of the protests and assesses the reasons why so many Panamanians have taken to the streets in discontent.
Argentina
Argentine exporters signed a letter of intent with China to sell approximately $900 million of soybeans, corn, and vegetable oil to the Asian country, reports the Buenos Aires Times. Experts believe the purchase is “latest indication that the Asian nation will avoid sourcing from the US during President Donald Trump’s trade war.”
Cuba
Amnesty International called for the immediate and unconditional release of José Daniel Ferrer García and Félix Navarro, two opposition leaders who have been “prisoners of conscience” in Cuba since April 29.