As Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate, the international aid agency Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has highlighted its longstanding collaboration with him during his years of ministry in Peru.
Before his election as pope, Robert Prevost served as bishop of Chiclayo and apostolic administrator of Callao, where ACN supported several key pastoral initiatives. These included seminarian formation at the Seminary of Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo, financial support for priests through Mass stipends, construction of pastoral centers, and assistance to women religious serving in isolated communities.
“Our collaboration at that time was very close and friendly,” said Luis Vildoso, ACN’s regional coordinator for Latin America. “He always showed great pastoral sensitivity and missionary commitment.”
Pope Leo’s work in Peru began in 1985 in the Augustinian Vicariate of San Juan de Sahagún de Chulucanas. He later served in the Archdiocese of Trujillo and was deeply involved in the formation of clergy and lay leaders — areas that remain central to ACN’s mission in the region.
Difficult ratio of priests to people
Peru continues to face significant challenges. With only around 3,000 priests for a population exceeding 30 million, many dioceses struggle to provide consistent sacramental care. In some rural and Amazonian regions, one priest may serve over 15,000 people. ACN’s ongoing support includes funding transportation — often boats in the jungle — as well as infrastructure and vocational programs.
Ratio of priests to faithful
The Archdiocese of New York has about 2,300 Catholics per priest.
The Archdiocese of Mexico City has about 3,400 Catholics per priest.
The Archdiocese of Kinshasa in Democratic Republic of Congo has a whopping 10,600 faithful per priest.
The small diocese of Wichita, Kansas, a leader in vocations per capita in the United States, has only about 860 faithful per priest.
In 2024, ACN expanded its presence in Peru with a new office in Lima, aimed at strengthening national outreach and improving coordination between donors and local needs.
“The Lima office allows us to respond more efficiently,” Vildoso said. “We want to connect more Peruvians with the global needs of the Church, especially in places facing hardship and persecution.”
ACN also supported then-Bishop Prevost in his role as president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. According to Vildoso, the Pope’s familiarity with ACN’s work has already led to renewed encouragement for its mission.
“He’s a man who understands both the global Church and the reality of people on the margins,” Vildoso said. “That gives us hope — and a strong mandate — to continue serving where the Church needs us most.”
ACN is a pontifical foundation active in over 140 countries, focused on supporting Christian communities through pastoral projects, formation, and emergency aid.
