Cardinal Robert Prevost may be the first person from the U.S. to become the head of the Catholic Church but his surprising election by the world's cardinals as Pope Leo XIV probably had less to do with his birthplace than his former workplace.

Prevost was brought to the Vatican in 2023 by Pope Francis as the powerful head of the office that vets bishop nominations.

CHICLAYO, Peru — The people of northern Peru call him el obispo ... Waiters, taxi drivers, teachers and others — faithful or otherwise — saw the Rev. Robert Prevost around their communities for 20 years, eating ceviche, singing Christmas songs ...