As Cardinal Robert Prevost was named Pope Leo XIV by the Conclave, the world turned its eyes to St. Peter’s Square. Among the thousands gathered to witness the historic moment stood a lone, weathered man—clad in a simple robe, leaning on a cane, sandals in hand, eyes closed in prayer. He dropped to his knees, murmured a prayer, and then, like a ghost, disappeared once the new pontiff appeared on the balcony.
But this wasn’t his first time.
See also: “The World Needs Your Light”: The Hidden Messages Behind Pope Leo XIV’s First Speech
The Mystery Man at the Conclave
The same man was spotted 13 years ago, during the conclave that elected Pope Francis. And once again, he’s sparked curiosity, speculation—and awe. Who is he?
After some digging by European media, the mystery was solved. His name is Massimo Coppo, and he’s not a priest, but a lay monk from the Family of Bethlehem, a religious community based in the town of Assisi, Italy.
His mission is simple but striking: to arrive at the Vatican on foot, barefoot, in prayer, and in complete humility. His only goal? To offer penance for the Church.
“I’m walking to do penance for the Church. I’ve been praying since this morning—for God to have mercy on His Church, which is in a very, very difficult place. A scandal, sadly,” he said in an interview.
He Took a Vow of Poverty—But Not of Silence
Coppo, now in his seventies, has spent the last four decades living a life of prayer and simplicity. He took a vow of poverty at 32 and never looked back.
But what many don’t know is that he wasn’t always a monk. Before giving his life to God, he lived in the United States, earned a degree in Agricultural Science, and taught classes in his community. He’s fluent in English and, despite his modest appearance, deeply educated.
This year, as before, he made the journey from Assisi to Rome entirely on foot—a pilgrimage of nearly 37 hours.
See also: Why Pope Leo XIV Chose His Name — And What It Means for the Church
His Prayer for the Next Pope
As he waited among the crowd, Coppo quietly told those around him what he hoped for in the next pontiff:
“I want a new pope who cares for the poor. Who speaks of eternity, of hell, and of Christ’s return.”
He hasn’t commented publicly on Pope Leo XIV just yet. But the silent monk who prayed barefoot beneath the shadow of the basilica has left many wondering: was he there for tradition—or as a sign?
This article was originally written in Spanish by Fernando Eslava in Cultura Colectiva.
