Pope Leo XIV returns to Peru to a big welcome, calls it his 'homeland'

The Vatican estimated about 3 million people lined his motorcade route in Lima. Leo holds dual citizenship in Peru and the United States, having served as a missionary priest and later as bishop of Chiclayo before becoming pope.

At the presidential palace, Leo sang Peru's national anthem with President Keiko Fujimori. He emphasized his connection to the country, stating, "Today I understand how much of this land remains with me and how much of my own story also belongs to you." He called Peru his homeland.

Call for integrity

Leo urged Peruvians to "cultivate honesty, integrity," and accept that "no one has all the answers." He also called for stronger disaster prevention in a country frequently affected by El Nino-related floods and landslides.

Fujimori addressed the "unfinished task" of reconciliation following decades of insurgent violence, state abuses, and political divisions. Political science professor Alonso Cardenas noted the government shows "no sign of a reaction, no strategy" to address these issues.

Challenges ahead

Despite being a majority Catholic country (67%), the Church's influence has declined from 76% of the population. However, theology professor Veronique Lecaros noted the Catholic Church remains more credible than any other Peruvian institution.

Peru has faced political instability with nine presidents since July 2016, and homicide rates have nearly doubled in five years. Leo's six-day visit includes a trip to 3,700 meters altitude, considered risky after he had part of a lung removed in October due to a malignant tumor. He returns to the Vatican on November 17.