Peru Proclaims Pope Leo XIV as National Treasure, Next to Ceviche and Machu Picchu
By Poppy Posh, Published Published 2025-05-09
In a move that would make even the Inca gods raise their eyebrows, Peru has anointed Pope Leo XIV, or as he was once known, Robert Prevost, as their own national treasure. This audacious claim implies that the pontiff's rise to the Vatican's throne is as Peruvian as their beloved dish, ceviche, or their historical jewel, Machu Picchu.
One can only imagine the Vatican's reaction, as the Swiss Guard might now need to trade in their halberds for ponchos and learn a few Quechua phrases. Meanwhile, Prevost, now more known for his pontifical hat than his Peruvian heritage, finds himself sandwiched between pride and the immense pressure of representing an entire nation's cultural identity.
The streets of Lima are adorned with murals depicting the Pope, not in his papal regalia but in traditional Andean attire, blessing alpacas. Schools now teach "Prevostology" as a subject alongside literature and mathematics, and tourists flock to his former home, hoping for a papal blessing in the form of a selfie. In true Peruvian fashion, they've turned the Pope into a cultural icon, right next to their ancient ruins and world-famous cuisine.
