“Leo XIV aims to inspire everyone to be mindful and take action towards creating a better world for all. This involves taking care of the resources we possess and have been entrusted with—resources meant to be shared,” explained Reverend Art Purcaro, who serves as the assistant vice president of mission and ministry at Villanova University.

Pope Leo XIV, known then as Robert Prevost, previously worked alongside Purcaro in an Augustinian mission in northern Peru, where they dedicated their efforts to supporting a community of impoverished subsistence farmers.

The pair have worked together between Rome and Peru for more than two decades.

They spoke before Prevost entered the conclave. Prevost told Purcaro he had heard his name being discussed as a potential papal candidate but “wasn’t looking for anything,” telling Purcaro he would accept “whatever God wants.”

“He’s deeply spiritual and very solidly based in his faith, not an ambitious person. He’s reserved,” Purcaro said.

The priest believes Pope Leo will live humbly as Pope Francis did, shirking the pomp and grandeur that sometimes accompany the position.

“When we look at him dressed as he is now, we might think (of) clergy, hierarchy, distance, privilege, which I don’t see as part of his nature at all,” Purcaro said.

“It would be natural for Pope Leo, as (he did as) Bob Prevost, to live humbly, simply, genuinely, authentically.”