Pope Leo XIV prepares for a historic visit to Peru and Latin America
The Peruvian Episcopal Conference has projected a massive turnout for the culmination of Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic tour. It is estimated that nearly 1.2 million people will gather for the closing mass that will take place at the Las Palmas Air Base in Lima, marking a milestone in the pontiff’s agenda on Peruvian territory.
Guillermo Inca, secretary general of the Episcopal Conference and national coordinator of the visit, highlighted that the attendance expectations are comparable to the major religious gatherings experienced in the country in previous years. The Pope, who maintains a deep bond with Peru having adopted its nationality and carried out much of his pastoral work in the nation, will make a tour that will also include Uruguay and Argentina between December 6 and 16.
Schedule packed with massive gatherings
In addition to the main homily in Lima, Pope Leo XIV has various activities of great social impact scheduled. Among the highlighted events is a massive meeting with the youth at the Monumental Stadium, where the presence of 80,000 people is expected. Likewise, the pontiff will officiate a special mass in the Pampas de Pimentel, in Chiclayo, the city where he served as bishop for eight years before his ascent to the Vatican.
We want many people to come. We hope that at least a large representation of our youth and our university students can be there to express their affection to the Pope and to receive the affection that the Holy Father has for them.
Guillermo Inca, national coordinator of the papal visit.
Official itinerary of Pope Leo XIV
- November 11: Arrival in Peru and meetings with state authorities, including a meeting with President Keiko Fujimori.
- November 12: Official activities in Lima and a meeting with young people at the Monumental Stadium.
- November 13 and 14: Visit to Chiclayo for pastoral activities.
- Subsequent dates: Tour of Cusco and Pucallpa, where a meeting with indigenous communities will take place.
- December 16: Final Mass in Lima before embarking on the return to the Holy See.
This trip represents the sixth international journey of Pope Leo XIV. The pontiff, born in Chicago, is widely recognized as the “Peruvian Pope” due to his close history in the country. His 2026 international agenda has been extremely active, with previous visits to various nations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, reaffirming his global presence before his expected return to Peruvian soil.
