# The Pope taught him to drive and ordained him priest

> A Peruvian priest who served as Pope Leo XIV's secretary in Peru shares intimate stories of working with him before his election.
- Title: The Pope taught him to drive and ordained him priest
- Summary: A Peruvian priest who served as Pope Leo XIV's secretary in Peru shares intimate stories of working with him before his election.
- Keywords: pope leo xiv, jasson sempertegui, robert prevost, chiclayo, peru, catholic church, argentina, LA NACION
- Source: LA NACION — https://lanacion.com.ar/conversaciones-de-domingo/el-papa-le-enseno-a-manejar-y-lo-ordeno-sacerdote-fue-secretario-de-leon-xiv-en-peru-y-conto-como-nid10112026
- Author: María Josefina Lanzi
- Published: 2026-11-10T20:05:58.561+00:00
- Read time: 3 min
- Topics: pope leo xiv, jasson sempertegui, robert prevost, chiclayo, peru, catholic church, argentina, news, politics
## A surprise arrival in Chiclayo
In two thousand fourteen, Robert Prevost arrived in Chiclayo to become bishop of the diocese.

> tenía un currículum brillante
## Ordained by the future Pope
Jasson Sempertegui was twenty-six years old when Robert Prevost ordained him as a priest. Four months later, in January of two thousand sixteen, Prevost called him to become his secretary.
## The first task: learning to drive
Prevost's first request was that Sempertegui drive him somewhere.When Sempertegui said he could not drive, Prevost offered to teach him.Prevost drove very fast but was patient teaching, though he lost patience somewhat behind the wheel.

> Si usted me enseña, yo puedo aprender
## Living in community together
Sempertegui and Prevost lived together in the episcopal house with other priests. They prayed together daily, shared meals, and spent time after lunch and dinner in conversation, doing puzzles, watching films, series, and sports including…
## Trust and a robbery
When Sempertegui was twenty-five, Prevost left him in charge of the bishopric.That night, thieves broke in.

> Es la primera vez que te dejo a cargo y te roban
## A mathematical mind at work
When organizing Prevost's schedule, Sempertegui noticed how he took notes. Rather than writing long texts, Prevost made charts and diagrams, reflecting his background in mathematics.
## A leader who listened
Prevost listened carefully to people and took seriously what they told him.He asked Sempertegui to be honest and share his opinions freely.
## Turning criticism into action
During the pandemic, some criticized Prevost for closing churches instead of using them for oxygen plants.
## Helping after natural disasters
When floods struck, Prevost went to affected towns early in the morning and returned by afternoon, bringing food. He faced difficult situations and conflicts but remained calm and never grew angry with people.
## Fearless during tuberculosis outbreak
When tuberculosis spread through the seminary, affecting seminarians and priests, Prevost bought their food himself, bringing meat and vegetables, and visited them regularly. He never contracted the disease.
## Learning about Opus Dei
Sempertegui is a priest of Opus Dei.When discussing Saint Josemaría, the founder, Prevost told him, 'You are the expert here.'

> Tú eres el experto acá
## Deep devotion to the Eucharist
Prevost had great devotion to the Eucharist.During difficult times in the diocese, he would slip away to the chapel during films.
## Devotion to Saint Rita
Prevost had great devotion to Saint Rita and owned a relic of the saint. He told Sempertegui that when he was younger and read the lives of saints, Saint Rita's story had impacted him most.
## Learning of his election as Pope
Sempertegui was working at a parish in Madrid when he saw Prevost's name on his phone.He thought it was artificial intelligence.He went to pray at the parish, and people congratulated him.

> es el Papa el que me contestó
## A visit to the new Pope
The week after Prevost was elected, Sempertegui visited him for an hour and a half.
## Returning for a Peruvian audience
Days later, at an audience for Peruvians, Sempertegui stood at the end of the line to greet the Pope.Prevost was surprised to see him again and asked with affection, 'Again here?'

> ¿Otra vez aquí?
## Key takeaway

Jasson Sempertegui, a Peruvian priest, worked as secretary to Robert Prevost when he was bishop of Chiclayo, and has shared personal anecdotes about his life and character before Prevost became Pope Leo XIV.