Pope Leo XIV stepped onto Peruvian soil on 11 November to a hero's welcome, marking his first visit to the country since his election as pontiff. The pope, who spent more than two decades in Peru as a missionary and bishop, was received by President Keiko Fujimori at Lima's international airport. In his remarks, he called the return "a homecoming," reflecting the deep personal ties he maintains with the Andean nation.
The visit carries particular weight for Peruvians, who see the pope as one of their own. Before his rise to the papacy, he worked in the impoverished districts of Lima and the Amazon region, earning a reputation for his closeness to grassroots communities. His fluency in Spanish and Quechua, acquired during those years, has endeared him to many across Latin America.
A papal journey with European resonance
While the focus is on Peru, the visit also resonates in Europe, where the Vatican's diplomatic and pastoral priorities are closely watched. Pope Leo XIV, an Argentine by birth, has already made waves with his pressing of President Milei on disability care during his recent Argentina trip, and his tribute to women in Uruguay highlighted his focus on social justice. His Latin American itinerary is being interpreted by European observers as a signal of his commitment to the Global South, even as he navigates the complexities of leading the universal Church from Rome.
The pope's schedule in Peru includes meetings with indigenous leaders, a Mass in Lima's Plaza de Armas, and a visit to a shantytown on the outskirts of the capital. These events are expected to draw hundreds of thousands of faithful, underscoring the enduring influence of the Catholic Church in a region that has seen a rise in evangelical Protestantism.
President Fujimori, who has faced her own political challenges, used the occasion to highlight the pope's moral authority. "Your presence is a blessing for our nation," she said, adding that his message of reconciliation comes at a time when Peru is grappling with political polarization and economic inequality.
The visit also has a symbolic dimension for the Vatican's relations with Latin America, a region that has produced two successive popes. Pope Leo XIV's predecessor, Francis, was also Argentine, and his papacy was marked by a strong emphasis on the peripheries. Leo XIV appears to be following that path, using his travels to spotlight issues such as poverty, environmental degradation, and the rights of indigenous peoples.
In a nod to the pope's environmental concerns, his itinerary includes a stop in the Amazon, where he is expected to reiterate the Church's commitment to protecting the rainforest and its inhabitants. This echoes the synod on the Amazon convened by Francis, which called for greater ecological awareness and respect for indigenous cultures.
For Europeans, the visit is a reminder of the Church's global reach and its ability to bridge continents. As the pope moves between Rome and the Americas, his actions are scrutinized by European policymakers, particularly on issues like migration and climate change, where the Vatican has taken a vocal stance.
The pope's popularity in Peru is not without its critics. Some secular groups have questioned the Church's influence on public policy, particularly on reproductive rights and education. However, the overwhelming mood on the streets of Lima was one of celebration, with crowds waving Vatican and Peruvian flags.
As the papal tour continues, European media are paying close attention to the pope's words and gestures, seeking clues about the direction of his papacy. His ability to connect with ordinary people, honed during his years in Peru, is seen as a key asset in an era of declining religious observance in Europe.
The visit is also an opportunity for Peru to showcase its cultural heritage to a global audience. The government has invested in infrastructure and security, and local businesses are hoping for a boost in tourism. The giant statue of Pope Leo XIV unveiled ahead of the visit has already become a selfie magnet, drawing visitors to the capital.
For the pope, the journey is deeply personal. In his first public address after landing, he recalled his early days as a young priest arriving in Lima, "full of dreams and fears." He thanked the Peruvian people for their warmth and faith, saying, "You taught me what it means to serve."
The visit is expected to conclude with a farewell ceremony at the airport, where the pope will depart for Rome, carrying with him the hopes and prayers of millions. For European observers, the trip offers a glimpse into the priorities of a pope who, while rooted in the Old World's institutions, has his heart in the Americas.
