Curious response that Leo XIV gave when years before a friend asked him to help him get a hug from a Pope

Following his appointment as the 267th Pope, Robert Prevost—now Leo XIV— has been the subject of public attention, especially for recently revealed details about his personal life and his close friendship with César Piscoya.

The theology and sociology professional, and also the Holy Father's best friend, told Blu Radio about the last personal conversation he had with Pope Leo XIV.

Piscoya recalled with nostalgia and good humor that meeting, which took place before Prevost had been appointed cardinal, a position he assumed until September 2023.

In the midst of the meeting, Caesar decided to open his heart to Pope Leo XIV, telling him that, despite having been very close to Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis, he had not been able to embrace any of them.

"So I said to him, 'I hope you'll help me hug a Pope.' Of course, I was thinking of Francis," he said, laughing.

At that moment, Piscoya never imagined the response he would receive from Prevost, who looked at him and said with serenity and conviction: "Hug me."

They both laughed, taking it as a joke shared between old friends. However, as time passed, those words would acquire a symbolic weight impossible to anticipate.

Two years later, what seemed like a whim turned out to be an omen; unbeknownst to him, on May 8, 2025, Robert Prevost would become the 267th successor to Saint Peter .

"We both laughed. And I told him again: 'Don't forget that I want to hug a Pope,'" César added, visibly moved.

Piscoya, who is also Peruvian, said he was fortunate to meet the pontiff when they were serving a church in the city of Chiclayo, Peru, from February 2017 to December 2022.

Since then, the Pope's close friend, who has been involved in missionary work for more than 30 years, said he has not met the pontiff again.

The above, taking into account that, according to him, they frequently met to observe the pastoral work being carried out in the place where they work.

Piscoya remembered his best friend as a man who often put his trust in others: "Something that characterizes the new pope is his complete trust in the laity," he told the aforementioned media outlet.

In the midst of their encounters, the theologian made a joke with the Pope. The man pointed out that, at one time, the pontiff had begun to go to Rome frequently , so he said to him: "Robert, I think you're going to Rome too much. Be careful, and stay there."

The reason the current Pope visited Rome was because, according to César Piscoya, the Holy Father Francis constantly assigned him tasks.

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