Pope Leo cheered on return to Peru city where he served as bishop

Pope Leo XIV returned to Peru on Wednesday for a highly emotional visit celebrating his time as a missionary priest and bishop there more than two decades ago. The pope, who is of dual U.S.-Peruvian citizenship and the first from each country, was greeted by President Keiko Fujimori at an air base near Lima amid large celebrations across the nation, including a 46-foot statue in El Callao and cappuccinos decorated…

Pope Leo XIV, who received Peruvian citizenship in 2015, began a historic visit to Peru by describing it as his "homeland" during an emotional arrival ceremony in Lima. At the event, he thanked the people of Peru for their impact on his life and career, and acknowledged his deep personal connection with the country. According to news agencies, nearly three million Peruvians lined streets to greet the pope, breaking…

Pope Leo XIV is returning to Chiclayo, Peru, a city that celebrates him as one of its own. The pope spent nearly two decades in Chiclayo as a missionary and church leader before becoming the bishop from 2015 to 2023. Known for his work on social justice issues and close ties with the community, Leo is remembered for actions such as acquiring oxygen plants during the COVID-19 pandemic and visiting remote villages…

Pope Leo XIV returned to Peru this week for the final leg of a celebratory Latin America tour, arriving in the country where he previously served as a bishop for nearly two decades. During his visit to Lima, where 3 million people lined the streets to greet him, the pontiff recalled his past life as a local priest and emphasized that a nation's progress is measured by how it treats those with disabilities. The…

Pope Leo XIV celebrated mass in a park in Pimentel, near the city of Chiclayo, as part of his first tour of Latin America following his election in May 2025. The Vatican estimates that more than 1.5 million people gathered to welcome the pontiff, who lived in Peru for many years and became a citizen in 2015. The report focuses on the deep emotional connection between the local community and the Pope, highlighting…

Pope Leo XIV arrived in the Peruvian city of Chiclayo on Friday to begin a visit that will last until Sunday. The pontiff, who previously served as a bishop in this city for eight years, is scheduled to lead eight events and attend a private dinner with former subordinates during his stay. This trip marks the midpoint of the final leg of his 12-day visit to South America.