Pope Leo XIV is visiting Peru for the first time since becoming head of the Catholic Church in May 2025. (Foto: Instagram)
Pope Leo XIV arrives in Peru on Wednesday, Nov. 11, for his first visit to the country since becoming head of the Catholic Church in May 2025. Although American-born, he holds Peruvian citizenship and lived in Peru for about 20 years, serving as a missionary and bishop.
Robert Francis Prevost, the pope’s birth name, first traveled to Peru in 1984 after being sent there as a missionary with the Order of St. Augustine. He led the Diocese of Chiclayo from 2014 to 2023, when he moved to the Vatican.
During the eight years he headed the diocese, Leo worked with vulnerable communities and followed local emergencies, including the 2017 floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his first speech after being announced as the Catholic Church’s leader, Leo paused while speaking in Italian to address Peruvians in Spanish. He offered a special greeting to the people of his “beloved Diocese of Chiclayo,” saying they had supported their bishop, shared their faith and contributed greatly to keeping the Church faithful to Jesus Christ.
The Peru visit follows several days in Argentina. On Monday, Nov. 9, Leo attended Catholic events in Buenos Aires with Argentine President Javier Milei. The following day, he celebrated Mass in Córdoba before an estimated crowd of more than 1 million faithful from across the country.
Leo arrived at Córdoba International Airport at about 9 a.m. and traveled to the Military Aviation School complex, on the grounds of the Argentine Aircraft Factory. Mass began there at 10 a.m. Afterward, he met with bishops, clergy members and pastoral workers at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption.
