Pope Leo XIV returns to Peru amid massive crowds and calls for national reconciliation

Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Peru, the country he considers his adopted homeland, for the final segment of a three-nation tour across Latin America. His visit comes just weeks after he underwent surgery for lung cancer. The pontiff was greeted by an estimated three million people in the capital, Lima, a figure that Vatican officials described as a new record for the largest crowd of his papacy.

The reception in Lima was vibrant, with thousands of supporters filling the main plaza. Many attendees waved flags and wore shirts featuring the pope's image. As a large screen displayed the arrival of the plane on Wednesday local time, the crowd erupted in cheers. Several fans held signs with the message, "Welcome home," highlighting the personal connection many Peruvians feel toward the leader of the Catholic Church.

This milestone in Lima follows a recent outdoor Mass in Buenos Aires, where an estimated 2.5 million people gathered. Before reaching Peru, the 71-year-old pope traveled to Uruguay and Argentina as part of his broader regional itinerary. The scale of the welcome in Lima underscores the significant popularity the pontiff enjoys in the region.

Although born in Chicago, United States, Pope Leo has deep roots in Peru. He served as a missionary priest and later as a bishop in the country for two decades. During that time, he obtained Peruvian citizenship. These long-standing ties explain why his return holds such emotional weight for both the pope and the local population.

Speaking at Lima's Gran Teatro Nacional, the pope described his return as having "a very special meaning." He reflected on the mutual influence between himself and the country, stating, "Today, I understand how much of this land remains with me and how much of my own story also belongs to you." He added that he was returning to his homeland with deep gratitude.

Peru went to great lengths to prepare for the visit. In the seaside park of Callao, authorities erected a 14-meter statue of Pope Leo with outstretched arms. The statue towers over the area, serving as a prominent welcome symbol. Meanwhile, merchants in Lima took advantage of the occasion by selling a variety of pope-themed shirts and souvenirs to the eager crowds.

The pope's schedule in Peru includes a three-day stay in the northern city of Chiclayo. He served as the bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023, making the visit a return to a place where he held significant ecclesiastical leadership. This period of service is a key part of his history in the region.

In a politically significant address to President Keiko Fujimori, the pope urged her to build confidence among the Peruvian people. This call comes after her narrow election victory earlier this year. President Fujimori is the daughter of Alberto Fujimori, who led Peru through the turbulent 1990s and a brutal conflict against Maoist Shining Path rebels. The pope's speech was closely watched by observers looking for signals on how the church views the country's political future.

Pope Leo invited President Fujimori to confront the wounds of the country's past, subtly referencing her father's contested legacy. He stated, "Past events deserve to be treated with justice and sensitivity, leaving room for harmony to grow and for differences to be addressed with respect." He also called on citizens to cultivate honesty, integrity, and a willingness to engage with others, describing these traits as essential for maintaining trust in democratic institutions.

In response, President Fujimori welcomed the pope and described his visit as an invitation for Peru to continue its "unfinished task" of national reconciliation. The topic of reconciliation has a complex history, as Pope Leo, then known as Bishop Robert Prevost, criticized the 2017 pardon of Alberto Fujimori. At that time, he argued that the former president should personally seek forgiveness from victims to achieve genuine reconciliation. Despite his recent surgery, the pope has appeared in good form, delivering long speeches with a firm and clear voice.