MANILA — Residents of Cebu reminisced about their encounters with Pope Leo XIV, who has visited the region five times and celebrated Mass at the renowned Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. 

Pope Leo XIV’s ties with Cebu run deep, and Reverend Father Jonas Mejares of the Order of St. Augustine reminisced about the Pope’s past visits, notably when he blessed the Santo Niño de Cebu Parish convent in Talisay City in 2004 as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost.

According to Father Mejares, even at that time, the Pope demonstrated leadership qualities essential for guiding the Church.

"He was able to bring to the table that kind of pastoral experience na kailangan sa simbahan at the same time to navigate the complexities of the central, sa Vatican," said Father Mejares.

The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño holds a special place for Pope Leo XIV, who has explored historical landmarks such as Magellan’s Cross.

Father Jules Almerez, Media Liaison of the Basilica, noted that the Pope often shared his fond memories of Cebu, particularly the vibrant crowds during his Mass celebrations.

"He would always mention nga nindot iyang experience dinhi sa Cebu, especially nga daghan og tao during his Mass," Father Almerez shared. 

(Palagi niyang sinasabi na maganda ang kaniyang experience sa Cebu, lalo na kung madaming tao ang dumalo sa kaniyang misa.)

Devotees of the Santo Niño de Cebu also remember their interactions with the Pope when he was still a cardinal in Rome. Venus Del Mundo, a devoted follower, described him as “very soft-spoken, very cool, and very mild.”

The Pope’s presence extended beyond Cebu. In February 2002, he visited the University of San Agustin in Iloilo, leaving a lasting impression on the local community.

Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV's election was met with enthusiasm from his acquaintances in the United States.

His family friend, Joseph Kerns, expressed surprise at then-Cardinal Prevost’s selection as the new leader of the Catholic Church.

"I never thought they would pick anyone from the US, and I thought they probably would go with somebody a little bit older. I’m glad they went with someone who was younger,” Kerns said.

Chicago resident Nicole Laroco shared her disbelief that the Pope once roamed the streets of her city.

"We can’t believe that the Pope has roamed the streets of Chicago. It just means so much to me, to us," Laroco said.

Many of his friends and fellow Americans, as well as Filipinos, look forward to seeing him again when he visits as the newly elected leader of the Catholic Church in their respective countries.