Meet The Castel Gandolfo Chefs Who Won Over the Pope with “Leon Pie”

Guatemalan chefs Carolina Bellocq, Leticia, and Dora, who live in Castel Gandolfo, prepared a lemon pie for Pope Leo XIV. The chefs adapted a recipe using local ingredients after learning the pope enjoys the dessert.

The women sent the treat to the pope through their parish priest. Pope Leo XIV enjoyed the dessert and expressed his gratitude. He also requested that the chefs prepare another pie for a visiting cardinal.

Dora Cutzal said the project began because of their affection for the pope and their desire to serve him through their cooking.