Pope Leo XIV to visit Peru in first Latin America Tour
Pope Leo XIV’s first tour of Latin America begins with a deeply personal stop in Peru, where he once served as bishop. More than a diplomatic visit, this journey marks a powerful return to his spiritual roots—rekindling bonds with communities he helped shape and reaffirming the Church’s commitment to unity across the region.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Francis Prevost, is set to include Peru in his inaugural Latin American tour, as confirmed by Uruguayan Cardinal Daniel Sturla. The pontiff, who acquired Peruvian nationality in 2015 after being appointed bishop of Chiclayo by Pope Francis, will also visit Argentina and Uruguay, countries not previously included in papal tours. This announcement underscores his deep ties to the region and his commitment to strengthening the Church's presence in these nations.
In an interview with Radio Carve of Montevideo, Cardinal Sturla highlighted Pope Leo XIV's intention to visit countries omitted in his predecessor's itinerary. He emphasized that while these nations were not part of Pope Francis's travels, they were not excluded from his intentions. Sturla believes that the inclusion of Argentina, Uruguay, and possibly Peru in the new pope's itinerary reflects a desire to address past omissions and foster unity within the Church.
Peru invites Pope Leo XIV to Chiclayo, highlighting His deep ties to the region and Pastoral legacy
The government of Peru formally invited Pope Leo XIV, specifically, to visit Chiclayo, where he was a bishop for eight years. President Dina Boluarte issued the invitation to the pontiff during a private audience at the Vatican just after the Pope’s enthronement. This is indicative of the closeness of the pope and the people of Peru, especially those in regions where the pope served.
Cardinal Sturla emphasized the pastoral aspect of Pope Leo XIV, as a person who unites the Church. He noted that the pontiff was not outgoing or friendly, the opposite to his predeccessor. Sturla reflected on as a cardinal meeting the Pope multiple times, including at the Synod of Bishops and meetings of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. He also grappled with how engaged the pontiff was with ecclesial matters in the region.
Pope Leo XIV’s Peru visit seen as a symbolic homecoming and renewal of catholic unity in Latin America
Pope Leo XIV has a strong association with the country of Peru due to his arrivals in the country as an Augustinian missionary in 1985. His ministry throughout the towns of Chulucanas, Trujillo, and then later as bishop of Chiclayo, to aim to make a lasting difference in local communities. His selfless dedication to community development and humanitarian concerns in addition to his compounded desire to provide spiritual leadership led to in-roads with many people in the respective cities and regions. Many Peruvians view his upcoming visit, as a homecoming and a reaffirmation of common beliefs and values.
President Dina Boluarte meets with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, officially inviting him to visit Peru during his first Latin America tour. Photo: Andina
As Pope Leo XIV prepares for his first Latin American tour, his visit to Peru reflects the continuation of his pastoral mission that becomes a symbolic establishment, support, and communion with the Vatican and the faithful Peruvians. It is expected that his trip throughout Latin America would bring a more defined presence and address previous sixteen years of dis-experience with the papacy, re-establishing lines of communication, unity and communion within and amongst the various countries.
