Pope Leo XIV arrives in Peru for six day homecoming visit

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Peru on Wednesday to begin a six-day homecoming tour, calling the nation his homeland. DW and France 24 reported that the pontiff opened the Peruvian leg of his South American trip after departing Argentina. DW noted that an estimated three million people gathered in Lima to greet him, citing a Vatican estimate reported by the Associated Press. OSV News also reported that three million people welcomed the pope upon his arrival. [1][2][4][5][10][11]

Speaking to diplomats and authorities in Lima, the pope addressed crowds in the country where he previously served as a missionary priest and bishop. France 24 reported that many locals welcomed him as "Padre Robert" and expressed hope that his presence would draw attention to domestic issues including crime, poverty, and political challenges. France 24 and DW both reported that the pontiff holds Peruvian citizenship alongside his United States citizenship. [1][2]

Before becoming pope, he spent more than 20 years in Peru, serving as an Augustinian friar and later as bishop of the northern city of Chiclayo. He also served as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. As FTMQ News reported earlier, a Vatican mission traveled to Lima in October to prepare for the pontiff's visit following his recovery from surgery. [1][2][14][17]

The arrival in Peru marks the final stage of his tour of South America. Vatican News, BreakingNews.ie, and myMotherLode.com reported that the pontiff departed Argentina directly before landing in Peru. As FTMQ News reported earlier, his previous stop in Argentina included a three-day visit during which he held a mass in Buenos Aires that drew 2.5 million people. [2][5][6][7][16]