Pope Leo XIV made his first public appearance as pontiff just over a week ago. At his side observers find Father Edgar Iván Rimaycuna, his personal secretary and a close friend. Though no formal announcement has been made, Fr. Rimaycuna’s presence alongside the Pope strongly suggests that he will take on the critical role of the Pontiff’s personal secretary (or one of them), continuing a recent tradition of Latin American aides in the Vatican.
A bond forged in Chiclayo
Fr. Rimaycuna, 36, hails from Chiclayo, a city in northern Peru known for its vibrant Catholic community. It was there that he first crossed paths with Robert Prevost, then the bishop of the local diocese. Their connection began in 2016, when Rimaycuna was a young seminarian of just 17. Over time, it's said their relationship deepened, transforming from spiritual mentorship to genuine friendship.
When Bishop Prevost was appointed a cardinal and brought to Rome in 2023 to head the Dicastery for Bishops, Fr. Rimaycuna followed, leaving his home diocese with a heartfelt message:
“I left Chiclayo with nostalgia, but with the comfort of knowing that a friend awaits me, with whom I will continue working for the good of the Church.”
The road to Rome
As Rodrigo Simón Rey of COPE notes, this bond with Cardinal Prevost was instrumental in Fr. Rimaycuna’s path to the Vatican. Their shared years of pastoral work in Peru created a foundation of trust and mutual respect, paving the way for his current position.
In a moving farewell message when the future pope was headed for work in the Roman Curia, Rimaycuna expressed his gratitude to his mentor: “Thank you very much, Bishop Robert Prevost, for everything, for allowing me to work by your side, but above all for your friendship and trust. To my Bishop, my Friend. Safe travels and a big hug! Let us pray for one another!”
A new chapter with Leo XIV
Now, with Leo XIV at the helm, Fr. Rimaycuna seems poised to take on an even more influential role. Although an official appointment as Personal Secretary has not yet been confirmed, his presence beside the Pope at this key moment signals a significant transition.
If finalized, Rimaycuna will join a line of recent Latin American secretaries that includes Fabián Pedacchio (Argentina), Gonzalo Aemilius (Uruguay), and Daniel Pelizzon (Argentina), highlighting the ongoing if hidden prominence of Latin America within the Roman Curia.
Looking ahead
The deep connection between Leo XIV and Fr. Rimaycuna suggests that the partnership forged in the pastoral heart of Chiclayo will continue at the heart of the Church in Rome. For the young priest, this new chapter is a chance to keep serving the universal Church, standing beside the Pope at a critical moment in his ministry.
