Fargo Doctor Recalls Meeting The Newly Elected Pope Ten Years Prior To His Election

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — “So they asked me, you know, if I knew him, and I said not really. Until I saw the picture of me shaking his hand,” said Dr. Lucho Espejo.

Dr. Lucho Espejo, a Medical Director and Family Physician at the Family HealthCare Clinic in Fargo, has been working with the Fargo-based organization “Friends of Chimbote” to help families and people living in Peru. And ten years ago, Espejo had met the then Bishop Prevost at a gathering in Peru. Pray Vost

“He was really showing interest in what we do there. What brought you guys to Peru? He was interested in the details of the mission, how we served. Follow the gospel Matthew 25, and we are here, we try to help. And he was very, very, very interested in our mission and what we do, he was thankful for what we do,” said Espejo.

For Espejo, it was astounding to have someone he met years ago becoming a Pope. But also as someone who once was in Seminary school, for an American to reach a position many would have never thought they could reach.

“His focus has been always on the people, especially the poor and the marginalized. So I think that he will continue his ministry of Pope Francis. So I think becoming from, growing up in the first world, working the third world, I think he will bring a sense of universality to the church and to consolidate our unity,” said Espejo.

Dr. Espejo has said he is still in shock over the number of people asking if he knew the Pope, while he spoke with him for he said about 10 minutes, he still feels a great honor.