There are many who call him Pope Leo XIV now, that called him just Prevost for years. And it’s hard to change the name when you’ve been his right hand man.
That’s what happened to Father Jasson. He was Prevost’s personal secretary in Peru. Who would have thought that this American missionary would one day become pope?
FR. JASSON SEMPERTIGUE, Personal Secretary to R. Prevost (2016–2019)
I have the pride and joy to say that I am part of the first group of priests he ordained as bishop. And, after I was ordained a priest, he called me to work with him as his personal secretary.
What was Prevost like in his diocese? Fr. Jasson is clear about it. He describes him as a pastor who took care of his main flock—his priests.
FR. JASSON SEMPERTIGUE, Personal Secretary to R. Prevost (2016–2019)
I had the opportunity to see him confront people who came with false accusations, or accusations that were not sufficiently proven with solid testimony. I saw him defend his priests strongly and defend the truth until proven otherwise.
Fr. Jasson not only worked with Prevost for three years; he also lived with him. He highlights the then-bishop’s spirituality, who found little moments throughout the day to pray.
FR. JASSON SEMPERTIGUE, Personal Secretary to R. Prevost (2016–2019)
He prayed with us whenever he could, and on special occasions, before meals, and then he would pray silently. Sometimes I saw him walking outside the bishop’s residence. He would take what seemed like a walk, but deep down, beyond the walk, it was a prayer he was saying in those moments.
Fr. Jasson was able to reunite with Pope Leo a few days after he became Pope. And, although he is now known as Pope Leo XIV to everyone else, deep down he will always be Robert Prevost to Fr. Jasson.
CA
Trans. CRT
