Peru Welcomes Pope Leo XIV as He Goes Home, Meeting Ghosts of His Missionary Past
A return to a formative home
He lived in Peru for 20 years, serving as a missionary, priest and bishop. He became a Peruvian citizen in 2015, and his decision to come there before visiting the United States highlighted his connection to the country.
Welcome near Lima
President Keiko Fujimori greeted Leo at Callao Air Base, near the capital, alongside children singing on a red carpet. Fujimori’s father had led policies that Leo protested. As the pope’s motorcade traveled through Lima beneath gray skies, crowds gathered along the route. Local authorities estimated that about 3 million people waited to catch sight of him.
A personal address
That evening, Leo spoke at Lima’s Gran Teatro Nacional to the president, civic leaders and diplomats. He described the bond he still feels with the country. “My homeland,” Leo said of Peru, drawing strong applause. He also told those gathered that the land and his own story remained closely connected.
Key points
- Leo arrived in Peru, where he lived for two decades and became a citizen in 2015.
- President Keiko Fujimori greeted him at Callao Air Base near Lima.
- Local authorities estimated that about 3 million people lined the motorcade route.
- Leo called Peru “my homeland” during an address in Lima.