Robert Prevost, who was recently elected as the new head of the global Catholic Church, is now called Pope Leo XIV. The 69-year-old American is the 267th Pope and the first person from USA to become a Pope.

While he may visit India some time in the future, he has did so in the past. In fact he visit India twice during his tenure as the General of the Order of St. Augustine. His visits in 2004 and 2006 brought him to various Augustinian communities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, leaving a lasting impression on those he encountered.

During his second visit to India in 2006, he made a brief visit to Shenbagam School in Pollachi that is run by the Augustinian Fathers under the Diocese of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

Fr.Sumesh Joseph Illikkaparambil, Correspondent of Shenbagam Matric. Hr. Sec. School shared that Cardinal Robert Prevost stayed with the fathers working here. He spent lot of days with the people here, visiting the villages here as well. "We look forward to see him visit India, especially Kerala and Tamil Nadu," he said in an interaction.

“He was incredibly simple, down-to-earth, and always willing to adapt,” recalled Fr. Jacob Mullassery, O.S.A., who accompanied Pope Leo XIV during both visits. “He never asked for special treatment. He travelled in small vehicles and had no hesitation staying in modest rooms with basic amenities in Aluva and Edakochi. His humility deeply touched all of us.”

(With inputs from Catholic Connect)