Pope Leo XIV described Peru as his “homeland” on Wednesday as he arrived in Lima for a historic visit, expressing gratitude to the people of the country for shaping his journey as a pastor through their experiences, struggles and joys.Addressing president Keiko Fujimori and government officials after his arrival, the Chicago-born pontiff said the Peruvian citizenship he received in 2015 had strengthened a connection that had existed long before. In an emotional speech, he acknowledged the deep personal bond he shared with the country, according to news agency AP.“Today I understand how much of this land remains with me and how much of my own story also belongs to you,” Leo said, drawing applause from those present. “That is why I can tell you, with deep gratitude, that I am also returning to my homeland.”The pope received an enthusiastic welcome as he stepped off his chartered aircraft at Lima’s airport, where he was greeted by Fujimori and embraced two children who presented him with flowers. According to the Vatican, nearly three million people lined the route of his motorcade into the capital, waving Peruvian and Vatican flags.Several enthusiastic supporters broke through security barriers to follow his vehicle as he travelled to the presidential palace for a private meeting with the president. During the formal welcome ceremony in the palace courtyard, Leo also sang the Peruvian national anthem alongside Fujimori and a children’s choir.The Peru visit marks the final leg of the pope’s three-country South American tour and its emotional high point. Before becoming pontiff, Leo, born Robert Prevost, spent more than two decades in Peru, serving as a missionary priest and later as a bishop. He has repeatedly credited the country with teaching him the meaning of pastoral leadership.Holding citizenship of both the United States and Peru, Leo is the first pope from either country.“We love him so much because he’s worked here, he knows our sufferings, he knows it all,” said 85-year-old Evelina Cruz, who waited for his arrival carrying a stuffed toy of the pope made by her niece.
Peru welcomes its beloved ‘Padre Robert’
Excitement surrounding the pope’s return was visible across the country. Ahead of his visit, a 14-metre statue of Leo was unveiled in the port city of El Callao, while cafes in Lima began serving cappuccinos featuring his image.“My heart is so excited that it makes me want to cry with joy,” said Zuly Castillo, who previously worked as Leo’s secretary when he served as bishop of Chiclayo in northern Peru.Gustavo Morello, an associate professor of sociology at boston college and author of lived religion in Latin America, described the visit as a return to the pope’s roots.“Peru is the crown of the trip, the homecoming of the first Peruvian pope, no matter where he was born,” he said.Hundreds of people gathered outside the presidential palace in Lima, singing religious songs and chanting “Long live Christ!” as they awaited the pontiff.The enthusiasm has also spread to Chiclayo, where Leo is scheduled to arrive on Friday. Murals depicting the pope have appeared across the city, while his image features on T-shirts, baseball caps and bobblehead dolls.During the coming days, Leo is expected to visit several places associated with his years in Peru, including the sanctuary of St Turibius of Mogrovejo in Zaña, a centre of Afro-Peruvian culture. The pontiff frequently visited the sanctuary to pray to the saint, who holds a special place in his devotion.His familiarity with the country has heightened expectations surrounding his speeches, particularly an address scheduled for Thursday outside Lima’s cathedral on the challenges and aspirations shaping Peru’s future.
Poverty, crime and political instability
The pope’s visit comes as Peru faces several pressing challenges, including economic inequality, violent crime, political instability and the looming threat of climate disruptions linked to El Niño.The country, home to around 34 million people, recorded a monetary poverty rate of 25.7% in 2025.Morello pointed to the stark economic divide, saying a small wealthy elite enjoyed levels of prosperity comparable to those of some US states, while much of the population continued to face structural poverty and financial insecurity despite relatively strong macroeconomic indicators.Peru has also experienced a resurgence of violence and insecurity. Although the country is no longer confronting the insurgency of the Shining Path rebel movement that marked the 1980s and 1990s, rising crime has become a major concern.Rolando Pérez, a professor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, said Leo’s return as pope had generated considerable hope among people who felt neglected by the government.He said the pontiff was remembered as a religious leader who stood alongside ordinary citizens, brought their concerns into public discussions and supported their demands for justice.
Amazon visit to highlight Indigenous concerns
Leo is also scheduled to travel to Pucallpa in the Peruvian amazon, where he will celebrate mass and pay tribute to Indigenous communities.The region faces growing challenges from illegal gold mining and coca cultivation, which have affected Indigenous populations and their traditional territories.Pérez said the amazon brought together several major development concerns, including environmental degradation, the marginalisation of Indigenous communities, violence and extreme poverty.The pope will also visit Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca empire and an important centre of Spanish colonial rule. The city, known for its cultural heritage and proximity to Machu Picchu, will host a mass in its main square.The location carries historical significance as it was here that Indigenous resistance leader Tupac amaru II was executed in 1781 following a major rebellion against Spanish colonial authorities.
Peruvians look to Pope for answers
The visit is taking place amid widespread public frustration over crime, corruption and political uncertainty.President Keiko Fujimori, who assumed office in July, came to power promising to restore order in a country grappling with rising extortion and homicides. The homicide rate has nearly doubled over five years, increasing from 5.8 to 10.7 per 100,000 people.Alonso Cardenas, a political science professor at Antonio ruiz de montoya university, said the pope’s arrival coincided with a period of deep disappointment with political leadership. Peru has witnessed considerable instability over the past decade, with nine presidents taking office since July 2016.
Rising insecurity and food prices have further added to public concerns.
Cardenas said there was little indication that the government had developed an effective response to the country’s growing security problems, prompting many Peruvians to look towards the pope for a message that could encourage political leaders to act.“There’s a profound sense of weariness regarding politics and corruption,” said Veronique Lecaros, head of the theology department at the pontifical catholic university of Peru.She noted that the catholic church continued to enjoy greater public credibility than other institutions in the country.Although catholic affiliation has declined in recent years, large crowds are expected to turn out for the pope’s visit. According to the pew research center, the proportion of Peruvians identifying as catholic fell from 76% in 2013-14 to around 67%.Lecaros, however, said the decline did not necessarily indicate that Peruvians were abandoning their faith, with most continuing to identify as religious.She said Leo’s visit could encourage some people to reconnect with the church, although its longer-term impact would depend on the conduct of catholic leaders and clergy.