July 31, 2025 • 9 mins
Mario Reyes, a thirty seven year old barber from Ica, Peru, has been working near the Vatican walls for three years. His barbershop computer contains client records, and among his regular customers was someone listed simply as Robert Francis Prevost.
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Become a premium subscriber! (no ads and no feed drops). For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app which says UNINTERRUPTED LISTENING. You also get 25+ other series from comedy to paranormal, royals, romance, trivia, politics, movies, music, murder, sports, travel, religion, spirituality, celebrity gossip and feuds, consisting of THOUSANDS OF SHOWS AD-FREE! (it’s only $4.99 a month with a free-trial month) PLUS, subscribers get offers like early show releases and subscriber-only shows. Go to Caloroga.com for all our shows!
Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!
Subscribe now for exclusive shows like 'Palace Intrigue,' and get bonus content from Deep Crown (our exclusive Palace Insider!) Or get 'Daily Comedy News,' and '5 Good News Stories’ with no commercials! Plans start at $4.99 per month, or save 20% with a yearly plan at $49.99. Join today and help support the show!
We now have Merch! FREE SHIPPING! Check out all the products like T-shirts, mugs, bags, jackets and more with logos and slogans from your favorite shows! Did we mention there’s free shipping? Get 10% off with code NewMerch10 Go to Caloroga.com
Get more info from Caloroga Shark Media and if you have any comments, suggestions, or just want to get in touch our email is info@caloroga.com
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
Calaroga Shark Media. Mario Reyes, a thirty seven year old
barber from Eca, Peru, has been working near the Vatican
walls for three years. His barbershop computer contains client records,
and among his regular customers was someone listed simply as
(00:25):
Robert Francis Prevost. The first haircut happened about eighteen months ago.
Many priests visit the shop due to its proximity to
the Vatican, but they usually wear clerical clothing, making it
impossible to identify bishops or cardinals. When this particular client
first entered, he spoke with an unusual accent, neither fully
(00:46):
Italian nor Spanish. Mario asked where he was from, and
the man replied he was American but had spent many
years in Peru. What a coincidence, I'm Peruvian, Mario responded,
which made the client burst into laughter and become much
more open. They began chatting naturally about traditional food and drinks,
(01:06):
soccer and politics. The conversation focused especially on Cchiclio, the
beautiful coastal city in northern Peru where the client had lived.
His eyes would light up whenever he described the coastal region. Eventually,
Mario asked which nearby church he served at. That's when
the revelation came. The man wasn't at a parish, but
(01:27):
worked for the Vatican. He explained that Pope Francis had
called him to Rome and that he was now a cardinal.
Then he showed Mario the ring on his finger. Their
conversations were always honest and relaxed, conducted in Spanish. Both
men had recently arrived in Rome from Peru, so Peruvian hopes, concerns,
and memories constantly surfaced in their dialogues. The client was
(01:51):
satisfied with his haircut, and his visits became a monthly appointment.
He would arrive with his beard already trimmed and ask
only to have his hairsh His last visit occurred during
Holy Week, just before Easter. Then history interrupted this routine.
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, followed by the funeral
with tens of thousands of faithful, and finally the conclave.
(02:15):
The world's eyes turned to the Vatican. On the evening
of the White Smoke, after a long day of work,
Mario watched the video of the new Pope's proclamation on
his phone. He was somewhat distracted but as soon as
he heard the surname Prevost, his heart jumped because it
was the same name he entered monthly in his computer reservations.
Within moments, the incredible became real. Mario saw him appear
(02:39):
at Saint Peter's Square for the blessing and shouted to
his colleague Jeffrey, also Peruvian, that's our American client. In
that instant, he remembered the man's words about his Vatican work.
Mario hadn't understood that he was one of Pope Francis's
closest collaborators, thinking he was just part of some commission.
Mario was so emotional that he went to his computer
(03:02):
to verify that the first name also matched what was
announced in the square. Everything corresponded perfectly. He was overwhelmed
with joy and emotion, but happiness was followed by sadness.
Mario thought he would never see him again because Vatican
protocol would never allow such ordinary behavior as going out
for a haircut. Security concerns also came to mind, since
(03:26):
the barbershop was inside a shopping center with many people.
These seemed like insurmountable obstacles. However, Mario didn't account for
the fact that a missionary knows no barriers. Two weeks
after the papal election, the most surprising phone call arrived
at the shop. Mario answered the landline and heard a
familiar voice, Good morning, I would need a haircut tomorrow
(03:49):
at my house. Mario was surprised since they don't provide
home service. Suspecting a prank from friends among their clients,
he asked, but who are you? The caller calmly replied
Robert Prevost. Before Mario could say the Pope, the voice continued, Mario,
it's me. How are you In Spanish? Mario offered congratulations,
(04:15):
and the Pope apologized for not being able to come
to the barber shop as usual. He added, I would
need you to come to the Vatican and gave all
the information to reach his residence. Mario replied not to
worry and that he would be there the next morning.
After hanging up, his colleague saw him looking disoriented and
asked who had called Pope Leo? Mario replied, then wondered,
(04:38):
but how do I get there? A client told him
which bus to take, and despite fears of not passing
security checks, Mario approached the Vatican. He thought everything would
be rigid and formal. He buzzed, good morning, I'm the
Pope's barber from the other side. Who called you, Mario
answered the Pope. They replied the Pope called you one
(05:01):
moment please. Instantly, a very kind attendant came out with
a notice that the Pope's personal barber was expected to arrive.
Mario was identified and brought to Pope Leo's private secretary,
father ed guard Ivan Rimai schuna Inger, who is Mario's
age and comes from Chiclio. Mario told him how he
(05:21):
and the Pope met, and they began speaking in Spanish.
The Holy Father was still in a meeting, so Mario
first cut the secretary's hair. While finishing, the door opened
and the Pope entered, spreading his arms and exclaiming Mario.
Mario approached nervously, and the Pope shook his hand to
thank him for being there. Mario began cutting his hair,
(05:44):
and immediately the same atmosphere as always was recreated. They
resumed talking as they had when the Pope visited the
shop monthly, sharing ideas and memories of their beloved Peru
from first impressions when he arrived on mission to his
distant assignment. His return ern As Bishop, to Francis's call
to Rome and the important moments lived in the Curia.
(06:05):
The Pope added that he never would have thought he
would become Pope himself, an impressive thing, he said. Then
the conversation returned to Peru and the sadness of leaving.
Mario asked what he missed most about the country, and
without hesitation, the Pope replied, I miss the people. Pope
(06:28):
Leo faces an eventful period ahead, with numerous significant liturgical
celebrations planned for August and September. August opens with a
particularly significant celebration for young Catholics around the world. On Sunday,
August third, Pope Leo will celebrate Holy Mass in the morning,
specifically for the Jubilee of Youth. This special liturgy will
(06:51):
take place at tor Vagata, located on the outskirts of Rome.
The choice of tour Vagata holds deep historical significance for
the Catholic Church and youth ministry. This location is fondly
remembered as the site where Saint John Paul Second presided
over a historic Mass during the Great Jubilee of the
year two thousand. By returning to this meaningful venue, Pope
(07:15):
Leo connects his pontificate with the legacy of his predecessor's
remarkable outreach to young people. The Jubilee of Youth represents
an important moment for Catholic young adults to gather, reflect
and strengthen their faith community. These celebrations have become cornerstones
of modern papal ministry, recognizing the vital role that youth
play in the future of the church. Later in August,
(07:38):
Pope Leo will participate in one of the church's most
beloved Marian celebrations. On Thursday, August fifteenth, during the Solemnity
of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Pontiff
will preside over the eucharistic celebration at the Pontifical parish
of Saint Thomas of Villanova in Castel Gandolfo. This celebration
(07:58):
at Castel Gandolpho allows Pope Leo to honour the Blessed
Virgin Mary in the peaceful setting of the papal summer residence.
The Assumption represents one of the most important feasts in
the Catholic liturgical calendar, commemorating Mary's entrance into heavenly glory.
September brings even more significant celebrations, beginning with a truly
(08:20):
historic canonization ceremony. On Sunday, September seven, Pope Leo will
celebrate Holy Mass in Saint Peter's Square for the canonization
of Blessed Peer Georgio Frasati and Blessed Carlo Acutis. This
canonization ceremony promises to be particularly meaningful for contemporary Catholics.
Both candidates for sainthood represent different eras, but share common
(08:44):
themes of youthful dedication to faith and service. The date
for this ceremony was officially announced during Pope Leo's first
ordinary public Consistory, which took place on June thirteenth. Peer
Giorgio Frasati and Carlo Acutis both exemplify how young people
can live extraordinary lives of faith and service. Their canonization
(09:05):
will provide inspiring examples for Catholic youth worldwide, demonstrating that
holiness is achievable in any era. One week after the canonization,
Pope Leo will participate in an important ecumenical gathering on Sunday,
September fourteenth. In the afternoon, the Pontiff will preside over
an Ecumenical Commemoration of the New Martyrs and Witnesses of
(09:27):
the Faith at the Basilica of Saint Paul outside the walls.
The final major liturgical event scheduled for September focuses on
those who serve as teachers and guides in the Catholic Faith.
On Sunday, September twenty eighth, in the morning, Pope Leo
will celebrate Mass for the Jubilee of Catechists in Saint
Peter's Square,
Calaroga Shark Media. Mario Reyes, a thirty seven year old
barber from Eca, Peru, has been working near the Vatican
walls for three years. His barbershop computer contains client records,
and among his regular customers was someone listed simply as
(00:25):
Robert Francis Prevost. The first haircut happened about eighteen months ago.
Many priests visit the shop due to its proximity to
the Vatican, but they usually wear clerical clothing, making it
impossible to identify bishops or cardinals. When this particular client
first entered, he spoke with an unusual accent, neither fully
(00:46):
Italian nor Spanish. Mario asked where he was from, and
the man replied he was American but had spent many
years in Peru. What a coincidence, I'm Peruvian, Mario responded,
which made the client burst into laughter and become much
more open. They began chatting naturally about traditional food and drinks,
(01:06):
soccer and politics. The conversation focused especially on Cchiclio, the
beautiful coastal city in northern Peru where the client had lived.
His eyes would light up whenever he described the coastal region. Eventually,
Mario asked which nearby church he served at. That's when
the revelation came. The man wasn't at a parish, but
(01:27):
worked for the Vatican. He explained that Pope Francis had
called him to Rome and that he was now a cardinal.
Then he showed Mario the ring on his finger. Their
conversations were always honest and relaxed, conducted in Spanish. Both
men had recently arrived in Rome from Peru, so Peruvian hopes, concerns,
and memories constantly surfaced in their dialogues. The client was
(01:51):
satisfied with his haircut, and his visits became a monthly appointment.
He would arrive with his beard already trimmed and ask
only to have his hairsh His last visit occurred during
Holy Week, just before Easter. Then history interrupted this routine.
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, followed by the funeral
with tens of thousands of faithful, and finally the conclave.
(02:15):
The world's eyes turned to the Vatican. On the evening
of the White Smoke, after a long day of work,
Mario watched the video of the new Pope's proclamation on
his phone. He was somewhat distracted but as soon as
he heard the surname Prevost, his heart jumped because it
was the same name he entered monthly in his computer reservations.
Within moments, the incredible became real. Mario saw him appear
(02:39):
at Saint Peter's Square for the blessing and shouted to
his colleague Jeffrey, also Peruvian, that's our American client. In
that instant, he remembered the man's words about his Vatican work.
Mario hadn't understood that he was one of Pope Francis's
closest collaborators, thinking he was just part of some commission.
Mario was so emotional that he went to his computer
(03:02):
to verify that the first name also matched what was
announced in the square. Everything corresponded perfectly. He was overwhelmed
with joy and emotion, but happiness was followed by sadness.
Mario thought he would never see him again because Vatican
protocol would never allow such ordinary behavior as going out
for a haircut. Security concerns also came to mind, since
(03:26):
the barbershop was inside a shopping center with many people.
These seemed like insurmountable obstacles. However, Mario didn't account for
the fact that a missionary knows no barriers. Two weeks
after the papal election, the most surprising phone call arrived
at the shop. Mario answered the landline and heard a
familiar voice, Good morning, I would need a haircut tomorrow
(03:49):
at my house. Mario was surprised since they don't provide
home service. Suspecting a prank from friends among their clients,
he asked, but who are you? The caller calmly replied
Robert Prevost. Before Mario could say the Pope, the voice continued, Mario,
it's me. How are you In Spanish? Mario offered congratulations,
(04:15):
and the Pope apologized for not being able to come
to the barber shop as usual. He added, I would
need you to come to the Vatican and gave all
the information to reach his residence. Mario replied not to
worry and that he would be there the next morning.
After hanging up, his colleague saw him looking disoriented and
asked who had called Pope Leo? Mario replied, then wondered,
(04:38):
but how do I get there? A client told him
which bus to take, and despite fears of not passing
security checks, Mario approached the Vatican. He thought everything would
be rigid and formal. He buzzed, good morning, I'm the
Pope's barber from the other side. Who called you, Mario
answered the Pope. They replied the Pope called you one
(05:01):
moment please. Instantly, a very kind attendant came out with
a notice that the Pope's personal barber was expected to arrive.
Mario was identified and brought to Pope Leo's private secretary,
father ed guard Ivan Rimai schuna Inger, who is Mario's
age and comes from Chiclio. Mario told him how he
(05:21):
and the Pope met, and they began speaking in Spanish.
The Holy Father was still in a meeting, so Mario
first cut the secretary's hair. While finishing, the door opened
and the Pope entered, spreading his arms and exclaiming Mario.
Mario approached nervously, and the Pope shook his hand to
thank him for being there. Mario began cutting his hair,
(05:44):
and immediately the same atmosphere as always was recreated. They
resumed talking as they had when the Pope visited the
shop monthly, sharing ideas and memories of their beloved Peru
from first impressions when he arrived on mission to his
distant assignment. His return ern As Bishop, to Francis's call
to Rome and the important moments lived in the Curia.
(06:05):
The Pope added that he never would have thought he
would become Pope himself, an impressive thing, he said. Then
the conversation returned to Peru and the sadness of leaving.
Mario asked what he missed most about the country, and
without hesitation, the Pope replied, I miss the people. Pope
(06:28):
Leo faces an eventful period ahead, with numerous significant liturgical
celebrations planned for August and September. August opens with a
particularly significant celebration for young Catholics around the world. On Sunday,
August third, Pope Leo will celebrate Holy Mass in the morning,
specifically for the Jubilee of Youth. This special liturgy will
(06:51):
take place at tor Vagata, located on the outskirts of Rome.
The choice of tour Vagata holds deep historical significance for
the Catholic Church and youth ministry. This location is fondly
remembered as the site where Saint John Paul Second presided
over a historic Mass during the Great Jubilee of the
year two thousand. By returning to this meaningful venue, Pope
(07:15):
Leo connects his pontificate with the legacy of his predecessor's
remarkable outreach to young people. The Jubilee of Youth represents
an important moment for Catholic young adults to gather, reflect
and strengthen their faith community. These celebrations have become cornerstones
of modern papal ministry, recognizing the vital role that youth
play in the future of the church. Later in August,
(07:38):
Pope Leo will participate in one of the church's most
beloved Marian celebrations. On Thursday, August fifteenth, during the Solemnity
of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Pontiff
will preside over the eucharistic celebration at the Pontifical parish
of Saint Thomas of Villanova in Castel Gandolfo. This celebration
(07:58):
at Castel Gandolpho allows Pope Leo to honour the Blessed
Virgin Mary in the peaceful setting of the papal summer residence.
The Assumption represents one of the most important feasts in
the Catholic liturgical calendar, commemorating Mary's entrance into heavenly glory.
September brings even more significant celebrations, beginning with a truly
(08:20):
historic canonization ceremony. On Sunday, September seven, Pope Leo will
celebrate Holy Mass in Saint Peter's Square for the canonization
of Blessed Peer Georgio Frasati and Blessed Carlo Acutis. This
canonization ceremony promises to be particularly meaningful for contemporary Catholics.
Both candidates for sainthood represent different eras, but share common
(08:44):
themes of youthful dedication to faith and service. The date
for this ceremony was officially announced during Pope Leo's first
ordinary public Consistory, which took place on June thirteenth. Peer
Giorgio Frasati and Carlo Acutis both exemplify how young people
can live extraordinary lives of faith and service. Their canonization
(09:05):
will provide inspiring examples for Catholic youth worldwide, demonstrating that
holiness is achievable in any era. One week after the canonization,
Pope Leo will participate in an important ecumenical gathering on Sunday,
September fourteenth. In the afternoon, the Pontiff will preside over
an Ecumenical Commemoration of the New Martyrs and Witnesses of
(09:27):
the Faith at the Basilica of Saint Paul outside the walls.
The final major liturgical event scheduled for September focuses on
those who serve as teachers and guides in the Catholic Faith.
On Sunday, September twenty eighth, in the morning, Pope Leo
will celebrate Mass for the Jubilee of Catechists in Saint
Peter's Square,
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