Pope Leo’s private secretary compares his role to St John the BaptistADVATICANUM ^ | August 11, 2026 | Thomas EdwardsPosted on by ebb tidePope Leo’s private secretary compares his role to St John the BaptistPope Leo XIV’s private secretary, Monsignor Edgard Rimaycuna, has compared his role alongside the pontiff to that of St John the BaptistThe private secretary to Pope Leo XIV, Monsignor Edgard Rimaycuna, has compared his role alongside the pontiff to that of St John the Baptist. He further explained: “St John the Baptist identified himself as the friend of the bridegroom who rejoices at hearing his voice. The church itself has particular significance for Monsignor Rimaycuna. Following Cardinal Prevost’s election as Pope Leo XIV in May 2025, Monsignor Rimaycuna was appointed the pontiff’s personal secretary. 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.