Pope Leo XIV to Visit Peru in Early November, President Announces

Peruvian President José María Balcázar announced Thursday that Pope Leo XIV will visit Peru during the first half of November, following a two-hour meeting with the pontiff at the Vatican. The planned itinerary includes stops in six cities: Puno, Iquitos, Cusco, Pucallpa, Piura, and Chiclayo, though final details will be released later due to religious policy and security considerations. Chiclayo, located on Peru's northern Pacific coast with over 800,000 inhabitants, holds particular significance as the Pope's former diocese, where he served in pastoral work for nearly a decade before departing for Rome in 2023.

Pope Leo XIV, who was born in Chicago and became a Peruvian citizen in 2015, previously lived in Trujillo on the northwestern coast before his assignment to Rome. When he assumed the papacy, he addressed crowds in St. Peter's Square in Spanish, paying tribute to his former diocese: "My beloved diocese of Chiclayo, in Peru, where a faithful people have accompanied their bishop and shared their faith." The residents of Chiclayo have expressed enthusiasm about the anticipated papal visit.

While the Vatican has not officially confirmed the trip, the Pope has expressed his desire to visit Peru and neighboring South American countries. In December, upon returning from Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV stated: "Argentina and Uruguay are awaiting the Pope's visit. I believe Peru would also welcome me with open arms, and if I go to Peru, I would also visit many neighboring countries, but the plan is not yet finalized." The announcement comes amid widespread speculation about a broader South American papal tour that could extend to other nations in the region.