Pope Leo to Visit Peru on Historic Latin American Tour
Qwenews.com – The Vatican announced Wednesday that Pope Leo to visit Peru as part of his first major Latin American journey as pontiff. The papal tour runs from November 6 through November 17, with Peru serving as a central destination. Pope Leo to visit Peru from November 11 until the trip concludes, marking a meaningful homecoming for the pontiff who spent nearly two decades in the South American nation.
A Spiritual Homecoming
Peru’s Episcopal Conference President Carlos García Camader urged the faithful to “prepare themselves spiritually” for the papal arrival. The announcement has brought “immense joy” to Peruvian Catholics, many of whom consider the pontiff one of their own. Jimmy Horna, who manages security for the local bishopric, worked with Robert Prevost—Leo XIV’s birth name—between 2019 and 2023.
“We feel very happy, very joyful. Imagine having him back here in his home. We want the days to pass quickly so he can be here with us again, so we can greet him and give him a fraternal hug, since he is our great Catholic leader,” said Horna.
Those who knew Prevost during his time as bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023 have welcomed the news enthusiastically. The northwest region will be one of his primary destinations during this visit.
From Missionary to Pontiff
Leo XIV’s connection to Peru began in 1985 when he arrived as a young Augustinian friar on a missionary assignment. He spent formative years in Chulucanas and Trujillo, engaging in social action and teaching future priests. This period also introduced him to liberation theology, a Christian movement originating in Peru that emphasizes the church’s commitment to poor and marginalized communities.
After leaving Peru, the future pope spent twelve years in Rome directing the Augustinian order. He eventually returned to South America to lead the diocese of Chiclayo. Throughout his time as a bishop, he served as vice-president of the Peruvian bishops’ conference and worked to address sexual abuse within the church. He remains a Peruvian citizen and maintains close ties with the country.
Expanding the Latin American Tour
The papal journey begins in Uruguay, where Leo XIV will stay from November 6 to 8, visiting Montevideo, Paysandú, and Florida. He will then proceed to Argentina for a visit from November 8 to 11, traveling to Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Luján. This Argentine stop carries particular significance, as his predecessor Pope Francis never returned to his homeland during his thirteen-year pontificate.
The Argentine Episcopal Conference responded enthusiastically to the announcement, declaring that “All of Argentina opens its heart and doors to the successor of Peter.” During his stay, the pope will hold official meetings with President Javier Milei, according to government spokesman Adrián Ravier. In Uruguay, he is scheduled to meet with President Yamandú Orsi, as noted by Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin.
Navigating Complex Political Landscapes
Leo XIV’s years living in Latin America will prove valuable as he engages with the region’s political dynamics. In Peru, Keiko Fujimori was recently inaugurated as the nation’s first female president. She is the daughter of Alberto Fujimori, who governed from 1990 to 2000.
Alberto Fujimori’s administration stabilized the country’s economy and deployed military force against the Shining Path guerrilla movement during an internal conflict that claimed over 60,000 lives, according to a truth and reconciliation commission. Though he was later convicted of human rights violations, Fujimori received a controversial pardon in 2017.
Leo XIV lived in Peru throughout the Fujimori era. As bishop of Chiclayo, he publicly questioned the pardon decision, criticizing the president’s apology as insufficiently specific and arguing that Fujimori should have offered a personal apology for the atrocities committed.
What to Expect During the Visit
The pope’s November itinerary in Peru will include visits to his former diocese of Chiclayo, the capital city of Lima, Cusco, and Pucallpa. Travelers planning to attend papal events should check local transportation schedules and security arrangements in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Pope Leo to visit Peru? The pontiff will arrive in Peru on November 11 and depart on November 17, 2026.
Where will Pope Leo to visit Peru stay? His main destinations include Chiclayo, Lima, Cusco, and Pucallpa.
Why is this visit significant for Peru? Leo XIV served as bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023 and lived in Peru since 1985, making this a personal homecoming.
What other countries will he visit? The tour includes stops in Uruguay (November 6-8) and Argentina (November 8-11) before returning to Peru.
CNN’s Sol Amaya, Jimena De La Quintana and Darío Klein contributed to this report.
