Pope Leo XIV to visit Peru in November

Published: Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 5:20 pm

Pope Leo XIV to Visit Peru in November

Peruvian President Jos Mara Balczar has confirmed that Pope Leo XIV will undertake a significant visit to Peru in the first half of November. The pontiff's trip is anticipated to span between eight and 10 days, marking a return to a country with which he shares deep personal and pastoral connections.

During his visit, Pope Leo XIV is expected to tour five cities: Lima, Piura, Chiclayo, Cusco, and Pucallpa. While this itinerary is largely set, discussions are ongoing, and potential visits to Puno and Iquitos have not been entirely ruled out. This upcoming journey underscores the pontiff's enduring ties to Peru, where he resided for over two decades across three distinct periods of his pastoral ministry. His connection to the nation was further solidified in 2015 when he was granted Peruvian citizenship through naturalization.

This profound link was evident during a previous address at St. Peter's Basilica, where Pope Leo XIV, in a departure from protocol, spoke in Spanish and extended greetings to former parishioners from the Diocese of Chiclayo, where he served as bishop until 2023. President Balczar's announcement followed a private audience with the pontiff at the Vatican. During their conversation, Pope Leo XIV reportedly spoke with warmth about his time in Chiclayo and expressed eagerness to revisit the northern Peruvian city where he conducted a portion of his pastoral duties.

The president also revealed that the pontiff maintains a keen interest in Peru's political landscape, being fully aware of the ongoing presidential election, the final results of which are still pending. President Balczar conveyed that Pope Leo XIV expressed a desire for national unity, urging for forward-thinking plans from politicians and an end to the country's divisions. Their discussions also encompassed critical issues such as migration, the plight of Venezuelan migrants in the region, human rights, and the challenges posed by illegal mining.

Following Pope Leo XIV's formal assumption of the papacy in May 2025, Peru's government initiated a dedicated religious and tourism initiative named "Paths of Pope Leo XIV." This cultural and historical circuit encompasses over 35 significant sites spread across various cities, designed to highlight the pontiff's extensive pastoral work in the country. The route connects prominent religious landmarks, including the Cathedral of St. Mary in Chiclayo, with important archaeological and natural attractions such as the Royal Tombs of Sipn Museum and the Pmac Forest Historic Sanctuary.

BNN's Perspective:
Pope Leo XIV's upcoming visit to Peru is more than just a diplomatic event; it represents a deeply personal homecoming for a spiritual leader with significant historical ties to the nation. His expressed concerns about political unity and social issues reflect a genuine engagement with Peru's present challenges. The establishment of the "Paths of Pope Leo XIV" route further signifies a lasting legacy, aiming to connect the country's rich cultural heritage with the pontiff's pastoral contributions, potentially fostering both religious tourism and national pride.

Tags: Pope Leo XIV, Peru, President Jos Mara Balczar, November visit, Lima, Piura, Chiclayo, Cusco, Pucallpa, Puno, Iquitos, pastoral ministry, Peruvian citizen, St. Peter's Basilica, Spanish, Diocese of Chiclayo, Vatican, political developments, presidential election, migration, Venezuelan migrants, human rights, illegal mining, Paths of Pope Leo XIV, religious tourism, Cathedral of St. Mary, Royal Tombs of Sipn Museum, Pmac Forest Historic Sanctuary

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