Entertainment 10/05/2025 16:24

Old Photos of Pope Leo XIV's Visits to the Philippines Resurface Online

Following his election as Pope Leo XIV, images and information from his past visits to the Philippines have resurfaced online, reminding netizens of his presence in the country during significant church events.
After Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the new pope, now known as Pope Leo XIV, old photos and details about his previous visits to the Philippines began circulating online. These images highlight his trips in 2004 and 2010, which are being shared by various netizens on social media.

According to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) News, Pope Leo XIV first visited Cebu in 2004. During this trip, he officiated the mass for the 19th anniversary of the Augustinian Community of Santo Niño de Cebu Parish, held in Barangay Mohon, Talisay City, Cebu. A photo from this visit shows a younger Pope Leo XIV in the middle of the ceremony.

The CBCP News Facebook page also noted that in 2010, Pope Leo XIV, then Reverend Father Robert Francis Prevost, visited Manila. He was in the city to attend the Augustinian Order’s intermediate general chapter.


Then Reverend Father Robert Francis Prevost in the Philippines in 2010. 
Photo/s: CBCP News

Additionally,
it was revealed that he had other commitments in Central Luzon during this visit. One of the throwback photos shared online was posted by Carlo Olayta, showing a meeting with Pope Leo XIV during his visit to Bulacan in 2010. Olayta shared that the photo was taken during the Solemn Profession of Sr. Agnes Park at the Augustinian Monastery of Mother of Good Counsel in Tungkong Mangga, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. The event coincided with the Augustinian Order's Intermediate General Chapter in the Philippines.


Throwback photo of the Carlo Olayta (rightmost) with newly-elected pope Pope Leo XIV (center) when he visited the Philippines in 2010. 
Photo/s: Carlo Olayta via FB
In his caption, Olayta reminisced, saying, "Fortunately, it was also the Intermediate General Chapter of the Augustinian Order in the Philippines, and we were able to meet then Rev. Fr. Robert Francis Prevost, OSA, who was then the Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine."

Olayta expressed his joy over meeting Father Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, stating, "Never in my wildest dreams that I will have the chance to meet the man who will one day sit on the Chair of St. Peter. We pray for you Pope Leo XIV!"

Pope Leo XIV, born in the United States and later a Peruvian national due to his service in Peru, was elected as the 267th pope on May 8, 2025 (May 9, early morning in the Philippines). He succeeded Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025.

About Pope Leo XIV:
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, is the first American-born pope in history. Before his election, he served as the Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine, a role that took him to various countries, including the Philippines. After his election as pope, he became the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church, following the passing of Pope Francis. His journey from an Augustinian priest to the highest position in the Church has inspired many, with his visits to the Philippines marking significant moments in his ecclesiastical career.

About Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost:
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Robert Francis Prevost was known as a prominent figure in the Augustinian Order. His service in Peru and his deep connection to the Augustinian community helped shape his leadership. As the Prior General, he played a crucial role in the Order's activities worldwide, including his visits to the Philippines in 2004 and 2010, which have remained memorable moments for many.

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