Pope Leo XIV arrived in Peru on Wednesday local time to conclude a three-nation Latin American tour, drawing massive crowds to the capital city of Lima. Vatican officials reported that approximately three million people gathered to greet the pontiff, setting a new record for attendance at a papal event. This figure surpassed the estimated 2.5 million attendees at an outdoor Mass held in Buenos Aires earlier in the week.
The 71-year-old pontiff traveled through Uruguay and Argentina before reaching Peru, his final destination. Born in Chicago, the pope spent two decades serving as a missionary priest and bishop in Peru before his election to lead the global Catholic Church, which encompasses approximately 1.4 billion members. He subsequently obtained Peruvian citizenship, and his return to the nation carried significant personal meaning. At an address at Lima’s Gran Teatro Nacional, he reflected on his deep connection to the country, stating that the land remained integral to his identity and personal history.
Peru’s preparations for the papal visit included the construction of a 14-meter statue of Pope Leo with outstretched arms in a seaside park in Callao. Local merchants capitalized on the occasion by selling pope-themed merchandise and souvenirs throughout Lima. The pontiff is scheduled to spend three days in the northern city of Chiclayo, where he previously served as bishop.
During his official engagements, Pope Leo addressed President Keiko Fujimori, whose narrow election victory occurred earlier in the year. The pontiff urged the president to strengthen public confidence and called upon Peruvians to confront historical grievances with justice and sensitivity. He emphasized the importance of honesty, integrity, and respectful dialogue as foundations for democratic institutions and social trust. President Fujimori acknowledged the visit as a catalyst for Peru’s ongoing national reconciliation efforts.
The pope undertook the demanding Latin American tour less than a month following lung cancer surgery. Despite the recent medical procedure, observers noted that he appeared in robust health, delivering lengthy addresses with clarity and strength throughout his engagements.
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