Pope’s partner in the Commission for Latin America highlights his great ability to listen

Mons. Humberto González is part of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America (PCAL), in which he coincided with then Cardinal Robert Prevost – current Pope Leo XIV – who was president of the agency since 2023.

The PCAL was created by Pope Pius XII in 1958 with the aim of studying issues related to life and development of private churches in the region.

It acts in coordination with the dicasteries, which he advises and supports, even through economic resources. In addition, it has the task of promoting relations between ecclesiastical institutions – both international and national – that work in Latin America and the organizations of the Roman curia.

With the Apostolic Constitution Preach the GospelPope Francis ordered that the Pontifical Commission for Latin America be integrated into the Dicastery for Bishops. This means that the prefect of said Dicastery – charged that Cardinal Prevost assumed two years ago – is also the president of the commission.

From the Plaza de San Pedro, at the end of the Mass of the Pontificate of the Holy Father, Mons Piazza di San Calisto of the central Tistevere neighborhood.

“The deal with him was very trustworthy and very affection, because he arrived in Rome two years ago as president of the commission and therefore had to be in contact with us,” recalls Mons Humberto, who has been working on the Pcal for almost two decades.

Due to his experience within the commission, Mons. Humberto maintained a close collaboration with the then Cardinal Prevost, especially upon his arrival in Rome, to “update him in some things.”

“The pastor always knows his sheep”

During this time, both gathered at least twice a month. “As I handled the administration, I had to submit the different reports and accounts,” he said.

Of his days working with the Holy Father Mons. Humberto highlights in particular his “huge ability to listen and attention.”

“In fact, today he has passed the papamobile and called him by name. Recognizing my voice turned to look, he smiled at me and greeted me. The pastor always knows his sheep”He added visibly excited.

For Mons. Humberto, Pope Leo XIV is also “a close, affectionate, cheerful voice, who listens and knows how to discern.”

In this regard, he stressed that the Pontiff has a great capacity for reflection and “does not make hasty decisions.”

“He takes his time and makes a very big homework for the good of the Church. We thank for his presence,” said Aci Press.

Pope Leo XIV has not yet confirmed who will occupy his place at the head of Dicastery for Bishops and the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, an entity that also works together with the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM) and the Latin American Council of Religious (Clar).

“We also try to have relations with the Embassies of Latin America before the Holy See, with the Latin American schools that have students here in Rome, so that communion ties between the curia and Latin America are generated,” added the PCAL officer.

The president of the Commission also has the help of two secretaries and the commission officers, as well as the members and counselors chosen to “help, accompany and advise in the meetings where the subsidies for the well -being and communion of all Latin American countries” are planned.

It should be remembered that Pope Leo XIV lived for two decades in Peru as Bishop of Chiclayo, which allowed him to acquire a deep knowledge of the ecclesial and social reality of Latin America.