Pope Leo XIV Arrives in Peru, Begins Final Leg of South American Apostolic Journey

November 12, 2026 | Lima, Peru: Pope Leo XIV arrived in Peru on Wednesday, November 11, marking the beginning of the third and final leg of his Apostolic Journey to South America following his visits to Uruguay and Argentina. The six-day visit brings the Pope back to a country where he served for several years as an Augustinian missionary and later as Bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023.

The papal aircraft landed at Callao Air Base, where Pope Leo was received by President Keiko Fujimori and Foreign Minister Carlos Espá. Two children presented him with a bouquet of flowers, which he received with gratitude, embracing them in response.

A choir, Sinfonía por el Perú, comprising 27 children, performed as various groups gathered to welcome the Pope. During the reception, he paused to bless people with disabilities and several babies. Children also presented him with small gifts before he proceeded to greet the Vatican delegation.

Following his arrival, Pope Leo was scheduled to travel towards Avenida Brasil, where he would change vehicles and board the popemobile to greet the faithful gathered along the streets. His journey would take him to the Presidential Palace for the official welcome ceremony and a meeting with President Keiko Fujimori.

The Pope's first evening in Peru was scheduled to conclude at the Grand National Theatre, where he would deliver his first address of the visit to the country's authorities, representatives of civil society and members of the diplomatic corps.

The Apostolic Journey will also take Pope Leo to several parts of Peru, including Chiclayo, Cusco and Pucallpa. His return to Chiclayo on Friday holds particular significance, as he will revisit the northern city where he served as bishop and celebrate Mass on the Pampas de Pimentel.

On Thursday, the Pope is scheduled to meet Peru's bishops and preside over Midday Prayer at the cathedral in Lima. He will also participate in a meeting addressing the challenges and hopes of the Peruvian people in the square outside the Cathedral.

The journey will further include a visit to Cusco, where Pope Leo will pray the Angelus at Saqsaywaman, followed by a visit to Pucallpa to meet missionaries and representatives of Amazonian peoples.

The six-day visit will conclude in Lima, where Pope Leo XIV will celebrate Mass at Las Palmas Air Base on Monday, November 16, before departing for Rome.

The visit marks Pope Leo XIV's return to Peru, a country closely connected to his years of missionary service and episcopal ministry, as he undertakes the final leg of his Apostolic Journey to South America.

Courtesy: Vatican News