Pope Leo XIV prepares to travel to Peru during South American tour

Pope Leo XIV will complete his trip to Argentina on Wednesday during a 12-day tour of South America, France 24 reported. A final event in Argentina is expected to attract millions of people. Following the conclusion of his visit to Argentina, the pontiff will travel to Peru. [1][14]

NPR reported that Pope Leo XIV spent decades of his life in Peru, while France 24 noted that he is the first Peruvian citizen to head the Catholic Church. Ahead of his arrival, authorities unveiled a 46-foot statue of the Pope in the Pacific port city of Callao, according to UPI. [1][2][6]

Airline LATAM will operate four flights inside Peru for the pontiff and fly him back to Rome on November 16, the Latin Times reported. The flights will serve regional Peruvian dishes, including Chiclayo-style arroz con pato on the return flight to Rome, which reflects his past years as a bishop in Chiclayo. Mid-flight snacks will feature Piura chifles, chocotejas, and king kong. [4]

Pope Leo XIV is the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City. As FTMQ News reported earlier, his overall tour of South America includes visits to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. During his stop in Argentina, he held a Mass in Buenos Aires that drew more than two million people. [12][14]