Pope Leo XIV was welcomed by mammoth crowds in Lima today as he returned to Peru, the country he has called his “homeland,” at the start of a highly anticipated visit that has drawn nationwide attention. The pontiff, formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost, was greeted by an estimated three million people who lined the streets to catch a glimpse of him, according to local reports.
The pope arrived at Callao Naval Air Base outside the Peruvian capital, where he was met by Peru’s newly elected right-wing president, Keiko Fujimori, and throngs of children waving flags and singing. The scale of the turnout was described as unprecedented, with sources highlighting the enthusiasm and emotional welcome he received from the public.
According to The Washington Post, Pope Leo XIV declared Peru his “homeland” upon arrival, reflecting the deep personal connection he feels to the country where he spent decades as a missionary and bishop. His return has sparked a nationwide celebration, with people from across Peru traveling to Lima to participate in the festivities.
Large banners and a giant statue of the pope were unveiled in Callao in the days leading up to his arrival, underscoring the significance of the visit for many Peruvians. Streets in Lima and surrounding areas were decorated with images of the pontiff, and local media reported that the event had taken on the atmosphere of a national holiday.
Pope Leo XIV’s visit comes at a pivotal moment for Peru, which recently elected President Keiko Fujimori in a closely watched contest. The president’s presence at the air base highlighted the political importance of the papal visit, as well as the strong ties between the Catholic Church and Peruvian society.
The pontiff’s itinerary in Peru includes meetings with government officials, religious leaders, and members of the public. He is also expected to visit sites of personal significance from his years of service in the country, according to officials. The sources do not provide a definitive answer to specific questions about the crowd size, but all confirm the extraordinary scale and enthusiasm of the welcome.
For many Peruvians, Pope Leo XIV is still affectionately known as “Padre Robert,” a testament to the lasting impact of his work in the country before his election as pope. His return has been described as a homecoming, with many expressing pride in his achievements and gratitude for his ongoing commitment to Peru.
The visit is part of a broader twelve-day apostolic journey to South America, with Peru serving as the final and most emotionally charged stop. The pope’s remarks upon arrival emphasized the formative role Peru played in his development as a pastor and leader of the global Catholic Church.
Why it matters
Pope Leo XIV’s return to Peru is significant not only for the Catholic faithful but also for the country’s political and social landscape. The massive turnout, estimated at three million by local reports, demonstrates the enduring influence of the Church in Peru and the personal connection many feel to the pontiff, who spent years as a missionary and bishop there.
The presence of President Keiko Fujimori at the welcoming ceremony underscores the intersection of religion and politics in Peru. The visit comes just after her election, highlighting the role of the Catholic Church in national life and its potential to shape public discourse during her administration.
As the first American pope, Pope Leo XIV’s journey through South America, and especially his return to Peru, is being closely watched both in the region and internationally. His visit is expected to reinforce ties between the Vatican and Latin America, and to set the tone for his papacy’s engagement with issues affecting the continent. Observers will be watching his public statements and meetings for indications of his priorities in the months ahead.
The image accompanying this article is an AI-generated illustrative depiction inspired by the actual scene of the event.
