Pope Leo XIV’s private secretary, Monsignor Edgard Rimaycuna, has compared his role alongside the pontiff to that of St John the Baptist
Posted on 08/11/2026 4:34:10 PM PDT by ebb tide
Pope Leo XIV’s private secretary, Monsignor Edgard Rimaycuna, has compared his role alongside the pontiff to that of St John the Baptist
The private secretary to Pope Leo XIV, Monsignor Edgard Rimaycuna, has compared his role alongside the pontiff to that of St John the Baptist.
Speaking at the parish of San José Obrero (St Joseph the Worker) in the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, the Peruvian priest said: “I like to think of the figure of St John the Baptist if I have to define a little what my mission is.”
He further explained: “St John the Baptist identified himself as the friend of the bridegroom who rejoices at hearing his voice. Paraphrasing this, I can say I am the Pastor’s friend, who is at his side and takes care of him and helps him in this beautiful mission.”
In his remarks, Monsignor Rimaycuna also exhorted the congregation to “pray for the health of the Holy Father Leo, our beloved Peruvian Pope, Chiclayano at heart.”
He further asked that the “Lord may protect him, grant him good health to continue his mission as universal pastor of the whole Church.”
The comments were made during a Mass celebrated at the parish by Monsignor Rimaycuna, who is visiting the diocese before the Holy Father’s visit to the country in November.
The church itself has particular significance for Monsignor Rimaycuna. He grew up in the district of La Victoria, where the church is situated, and celebrated his first Mass there in 2014. In 2017, at the recommendation of the then Bishop Robert Prevost of Chiclayo, he went to study at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome. In 2024, after the future Pope had moved to Rome to head the Dicastery for Bishops, Monsignor Rimaycuna was appointed to work alongside him at the dicastery.
Following Cardinal Prevost’s election as Pope Leo XIV in May 2025, Monsignor Rimaycuna was appointed the pontiff’s personal secretary.
The previous day, Monsignor Rimaycuna had visited the Cathedral of Santa María in Chiclayo, where he told the congregation: “The Holy Father is aware that we are meeting with the parishioners of the Cathedral today and sends you all his warm greetings and a special blessing.”
Peru will be the final country Pope Leo visits during his South American tour in November, which will also take him to Argentina and Uruguay.
Chiclayo will be an immensely important part of the trip for the Holy Father. He served there as Apostolic Administrator and bishop for more than eight years. His attachment to the diocese has been apparent since the beginning of his pontificate.
On the evening of his election, speaking from the loggia of St Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo specifically addressed his former diocese: “A greeting to everyone, and in particular to my beloved Diocese of Chiclayo, in Peru, where a faithful people has accompanied its bishop, shared its faith and given so much, so much, to continue being a faithful Church of Jesus Christ.”
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Seems like this one person sure has a lot of influence on an extremely important world leader.
I prefer clergymen who worship God.
John the Baptist said that he was making the way for one greater than he, namely Jesus. Monsignor Edgard Rimaycuna is making the way for one greater than he, namely Satan.
> John the Baptist said that he was making the way for one greater than he, namely Jesus. <
Right. So if he’s playing the part of John the Baptist, is Monsignor Rimaycuna implying that Pope Leo is Jesus?
It would seem so.
I really feel for the Catholic faithful. Their leadership is so very bad.
Well there you go.
“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased, and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” — Matthew 23:12
So the Pope is ushering in the new Messiah, making the way straight?
That’s a troubling quote.
Yes, it is. There are still some amazing priests out there, but generally they aren't self-promoting enough to ever garner ecclesiastical power.
Lunatics. Lunatics everywhere.
I was thinking the same thing. We know what happened to John….🪓
He’s not my pope. According to church canon, his words and actions have excommunicated himself from the church.
CC
Same here!
Prayers up for Holy Mother Church
I could be wrong, but I think the church teaches that there are two forms of excommunication: (1) Formal excommunication by the pope, which is rare, and (2) de-facto excommunication whereby someone excommunicates himself through neglect of the mass and sacraments and/or apostasy from church teaching.
I’m Insulted!
“I really feel for the Catholic faithful.”
Me too!
But I don’t think we’re in complete agreement.
LOL
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