Monseñor Robert” helped the poor, trekked into the Andes and spread his faith. “He always provided words of hope.”

Robert Prevost may have made history Thursday by becoming the first pope from the United States. But in Peru, he is known as the saintly missionary who waded through mud after torrential rains flooded the region,

Leo’s ascent occurred with remarkable speed. Just over two years ago, he’d been one of the church’s 5,400 bishops — a role with no global visibility.