In Peru's north, locals remember Pope Leo driving pick-up, playing tennis

A man holds a sign that reads: "The Pope has eaten here. Blessed food, food with faith", outside "Las Americas" restaurant, following the election of Pope Leo XIV, who is a dual U.S.-Peruvian citizen, in Chiclayo, Peru, May 9, 2025. REUTERS/Sebastian Castaneda

CHICLAYO, Peru (Reuters) -The small city of Chiclayo in northern Peru was bustling with excitement on Friday, with businesses and locals sharing photos, memories and stories about its most famous former resident: Pope Leo XIV.

The new head of the global Roman Catholic Church was born in Chicago, but spent decades in Peru. He first arrived in 1985 as a young missionary in the mostly impoverished north, spending many of his formative years in the area.