--- title: "Pope Leo XIV Lands in Peru as Part of South American Tour" url: https://newscentral.site/pope-leo-xiv-lands-in-peru-as-part-of-south-american-tour/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "World" published: 2026-11-11T23:43:24.000Z updated: 2026-11-12T01:45:07.137Z id: 4244c71e-dd1b-4c76-85ce-17cf84ac2e27 source: "France 24 English https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20261111-pope-leo-xiv-returns-to-second-homeland-peru-to-a-nationwide-welcome" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/pope-leo-xiv-lands-in-peru-as-part-of-south-american-tour/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Pope Leo XIV Lands in Peru as Part of South American Tour Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Peru, marking a significant moment in his country where he spent over two decades as a missionary priest and bishop. Pope Leo XIV has landed in Peru as part of his South American tour, marking a significant moment for the country where he spent over two decades as a missionary priest and bishop. The Pope was welcomed to Peru by thousands of people who gathered at an air base near Lima, many of whom were eager to see their beloved "Padre Robert return home. The crowd waved flags bearing the symbols of both Peru and the Vatican, creating a festive atmosphere. As a dual citizen of the United States and Peru, Pope Leo XIV is making history by being the first pope from each country. His visit to Peru marks the final leg of his three-nation tour, which has taken him across South America. Upon arrival, the Pope was greeted by Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori, who welcomed him warmly. The Pope's charter plane touched down at the air base, where he emerged smiling and embraced two children who had brought him flowers. Thousands of Peruvians lined the streets along the motorcade route as Pope Leo XIV returned to his second homeland. The enthusiastic crowds waved both Peruvian and Holy See flags in celebration of their beloved pontiff's homecoming. Peruvians are particularly fond of the pope, who has spoken about the lessons he learned from his time in the country. He has described Peru as a place where he discovered what it means to be a shepherd. The pope's affection for Peru is reciprocated by its people, who see him as one of their own. The pope's visit has been eagerly anticipated, with many Peruvians expressing their excitement and pride in welcoming their first-ever native son back home. Zuly Castillo, the pope's former secretary when he was bishop of Chiclayo, said she felt a deep sense of joy at his return. My heart is so excited that it makes me want to cry with joy, she exclaimed. The significance of the pope's visit has not gone unnoticed by experts either. Gustavo Morello, an associate professor of sociology at Boston College and author of Lived Religion in Latin America", described Peru as the "crown of the trip for Pope Leo XIV. He emphasized that this was a return to the pope's origins, something that cannot be disputed. The crowd's enthusiastic singing of Long live Christ! echoed through the air as a Catholic choir took to the stage. The emotional display was not lost on Anni Marino, 52, who joined in with infectious enthusiasm. She described the scene as beautiful and moving, highlighting its significance for her personal connection to the pope. For Marino, the pope's visit represents a spiritual connection that transcends borders. In Chiclayo, Pope Leo XIV has become an unlikely cultural icon. His image adorns vibrant murals, T-shirts, baseball hats, and even bobblehead dolls, showcasing his enduring impact on Peruvian culture. The pope will celebrate Mass in several locations, including the sanctuary of St. Turibius of Mogrovejo in Zaña. This city is a hub for Afro-Peruvian culture and holds great significance for the pope, who has often visited to pray at the shrine dedicated to his saint of devotion. Pope Leo XIV's speeches during his visit will be closely watched by Peruvians eager for guidance on their country's pressing challenges. One highly anticipated address will take place in front of Lima's cathedral, where he is expected to discuss the challenges and hopes for the future of the Peruvian people". The Pope's visit to Peru is expected to have a stabilizing effect on the country's political system. Peruvian society still bears the scars of the Shining Path rebellion in the 1980s and 1990s, when the current Pope was serving as an Augustinian missionary. According to Rolando Pérez, a professor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, the Pope's return inspires hope among many Peruvians who feel abandoned by their government. The public perception of the Pope is that of a shepherd who has stood by the people and advocated for their rights and demands. In Pucallpa, the Pope will celebrate Mass in recognition of Peru's Indigenous peoples, who are struggling with issues such as illegal gold mining and coca leaf cultivation. The Amazon region, where Pucallpa is located, is at the center of several critical development issues, including environmental degradation, poverty, and violence against Indigenous communities. The Pope's visit to Peru has been highly anticipated, and his first stop will be Cusco's main square, where he will celebrate Mass in front of a large crowd. This historic location holds great significance, as it was here that Túpac Amaru II, the Indigenous hero who led the most significant rebellion against Spanish rule during the colonial era, met his fate in 1781. The Pope's visit comes at a time when Peru is grappling with rising crime rates and insecurity. According to recent statistics, homicide rates have nearly doubled over the past five years, reaching a staggering 10.7 per 100,000 inhabitants. This alarming trend has left many Peruvians feeling disillusioned with their government's ability to address these issues. Peruvian citizens are eagerly awaiting the Pope's message of hope and guidance, particularly in light of the country's tumultuous recent history. Since July 2016, Peru has seen a revolving door of nine presidents, resulting in a decade of political instability that has left many feeling frustrated and disillusioned with politics as a whole. The Catholic Church remains one of the most trusted institutions in Peru, with its leaders enjoying a level of credibility that surpasses other government agencies. As such, many Peruvians are pinning their hopes on the Pope's visit to bring about positive change and prompt a response from those in power. Huge crowds are expected to gather across Peru to welcome Pope Leo XIV, a testament to the enduring appeal of the Catholic Church in the country. According to recent research by the Pew Research Center, the percentage of Peruvians identifying as Catholic has been steadily declining over the years. In 2013-2014, Catholics made up 76% of the population, but this figure now stands at around 67%. This trend is not unique to Peru, with many countries experiencing a shift away from traditional religious affiliations. Despite the decline in numbers, Lecaros notes that Peruvians still consider themselves to be largely religious. The Pope's visit may inspire some to renew their interest in the Church, but ultimately, its success will depend on how Catholic leaders choose to behave and respond to the needs of their community. --- Source: [France 24 English](https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20261111-pope-leo-xiv-returns-to-second-homeland-peru-to-a-nationwide-welcome) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/pope-leo-xiv-lands-in-peru-as-part-of-south-american-tour/