Pope Leo XIV and Cebuanos share a heartfelt connection, especially through their devotion to the Holy Child, Señor Santo Niño, according to a Cebu-based priest who met the newly elected pope during a past visit.
Rev. Fr. Eusebio Berdon, OSA Prior of the Sto. Niño Spirituality Center in Tolotolo, Consolacion, Cebu, shared his personal encounter with then-Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
He recalled how the new pontiff expressed warmth for Cebu and its people, notably asking Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma about the Cebuanos and their faith devotion.
Fr. Berdon noted that he personally met Pope Leo XIV in 2004 during his visit to Cebu as Prior General of the Augustinian Order.
During that visit, the Pope blessed the Augustinian community in Mohon, Talisay City, Cebu.
He also visited Intramuros in 2010, where he presided over a Mass at San Agustín Church during the Order of Saint Augustine’s Intermediate General Chapter.
Fr. Berdon revealed that Pope Leo XIV had been invited to lead a Mass for the anniversary celebration of the Augustinian Province of Cebu on January 15, 2025, during the Santo Niño novena, but declined due to his responsibilities at the Vatican.
Despite this, the Augustinian community in Cebu warmly welcomed the Pope’s inauguration, taking pride that he is the first Augustinian priest to lead the Catholic Church.
Fr. Berdon added that Pope Leo XIV’s strong ties to Latin America and his previous leadership roles may have played a vital part in bridging acceptance even among those hesitant about an American pope.