By Rjay Zuriaga Castor and Glazyl M. Jopson
Long before white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new pope, Pope Leo XIV had already left quiet footprints in Iloilo City.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now known to the world as Pope Leo XIV, previously visited Iloilo and walked the halls of the University of San Agustin (USA), long before the global spotlight turned his way.
For many Ilonggos, his rise to the papacy feels both surreal and deeply personal.
Rev. Fr. Jonas M. Mejares, vice president for Augustinian Formation and mission prior of the USA Community, shared in a Facebook post his recent encounter with the new pope during a visit to Rome in early April.
Mejares told Daily Guardian that he met Prevost during lunch at Santa Monica in Rome, where he thanked him for a video message sent during the 40th anniversary of the Augustinian Province of Santo Niño de Cebu in January.
“We had a little chit-chat, after which he went back to his office, and then said, ‘ciao,’ which means ‘till we meet again,’” Mejares said.
“I never expected that when we meet again, he would already be the pope.”
It wasn’t their first encounter.
Mejares recalled meeting Prevost at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome, where Prevost earned his Licentiate in Canon Law in 1984 and Doctorate in 1987.
He said he had a strong feeling Prevost could be elected pope, even though he was not among the most widely known cardinals.
“Deep in my heart, I knew there was a great possibility for him to become pope,” Mejares said.
“Upon returning from Rome, I kept telling people, ‘It’s Prevost who’s going to win.’”
“When it happened, I was surprised. I had mixed emotions—I cried. It still hasn’t sunk in that my wish and dream for him to become pope is now real.”
A ‘Very Competent’ Pope
Mejares described Prevost as exceptionally qualified to lead the Catholic Church.
He emphasized the cardinal’s pastoral experience in Peru and his expertise in canon law as key strengths.
“He’s very equipped. He’s a canon lawyer and a missionary. He brings both structure and heart to the table,” Mejares said.
“He can navigate the complexities of Vatican governance. That’s what makes him a very competent pope.”
He added that Prevost strikes a balance between being conservative, traditional and progressive.
Prevost was born on Sept. 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois.
He studied at the Minor Seminary of the Augustinian Fathers, earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1977 from Villanova University, and also studied philosophy.
He joined the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977, made his first profession in 1978, and took solemn vows in 1981.
He was elected Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine in 2001 and served until 2013, leading its global governance and spiritual direction.
‘In the Halls of San Ag’
News of Prevost’s election resonated in Iloilo, where he previously served in his role as Prior General.
The USA Archives and Museum shared that in February 2002, Prevost presided over the 5th Intermediate Chapter Meeting of the Order of Saint Augustine – Province of Santo Niño de Cebu at USA.
He also concelebrated Mass at the San Agustin Chapel in Sambag, Jaro, on Feb. 8, 2002.
In 2006, Ilongga lawyer Atty. Ela Lopez recalled meeting him again during a visit to the university chapel.
A framed photo of Prevost still hangs in USA’s Learning Resource Center as a historical keepsake.
Churches in the city, including the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral and Molo Church, rang their bells to mark the election of the new pope.
In the early hours of May 9, the Jaro Cathedral’s façade lit up in celebration—a sign of Iloilo’s pride and Catholic roots.
As the Church enters a new chapter under Pope Leo XIV, Ilonggos cherish the quiet moments when he walked among them—unassuming, prayerful and deeply connected.
His election is not only a historic milestone but a personal blessing for a city that once welcomed him and now shares in his legacy.
Augustinian Sisters Rejoice
In Bacolod City, the Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation (ASOLC) and several Catholic schools expressed joy and congratulations on the election of Pope Leo XIV.
The ASOLC remembered their fond encounter with then-Prior General Prevost during World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia, in 2008.
La Consolacion College (LCC)–Bacolod president Sr. Joan Infante, OSA, who was part of the Philippine delegation, recalled his humility and warmth.
“He walked in unannounced and knelt playfully before us—it was such a real moment,” she said.
“He made us feel like family, not like a distant superior but a brother in Christ.”
Among those present were Sr. Jocy Widwid, Sr. Gavina Barrera, Sr. Magdalena Tallafer and Sr. Bibian Gavas.
Those once-simple memories now carry deeper meaning as Prevost becomes spiritual leader to over a billion Catholics.
In a message shared via LCC-Bacolod’s Facebook page, the Sisters celebrated his Augustinian roots and called his leadership a gift.
They urged all Augustinian institutions to renew their mission in justice, faith and human formation.
The LCC-Bacolod community described Pope Leo XIV as a shepherd filled with compassion and hope.
They called on the faithful to pray for him as he begins his sacred mission.
Other institutions echoed the sentiment.
The University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R) prayed for peace under his leadership.
The University of St. La Salle (USLS) called him a sign of divine guidance and urged him to “lead with courage and compassion.”
On May 7, San Sebastian Cathedral’s bells rang out in jubilation as white smoke signaled the new pope’s election.
In Negros Oriental, Bishop Julito Cortes of the Diocese of Dumaguete welcomed Pope Leo XIV in a pastoral message.
He encouraged prayers for the Holy Father’s strength to promote compassion, unity and care for the marginalized.
“His dedication to social justice, interfaith dialogue and peace resonates with our mission to be true witnesses of Christ’s love,” the bishop said.
He urged diocesan communities to offer special Masses and prayers for guidance as the pope begins his mission.
Bishop Cortes prayed that Pope Leo XIV may be guided by the Holy Spirit in leading the Church amid global challenges.
This marks a moment of deep significance for the Catholic Church as Cardinal Prevost becomes the 267th successor of St. Peter.
