Chiclayo, Peru, is celebrating following the inauguration and blessing of a large statue of Pope Leo XIV, located in a central roundabout in the city. Source: CNA.
The statue now welcomes visitors to the northern Peruvian city where Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, served as bishop and apostolic administrator from 2014 to 2023.
The 4.8-metre white statue, standing atop a 1.8-metre pedestal, weighs 450 kilograms and is made of fiberglass and resin. It was created by Peruvian artist Juan Carlos Ñañake, who collaborated with six other artists over a three-month period.
“It has been an artistic and spiritual challenge. We wanted Pope Leo XIV to reflect serenity and approachability. His smile will welcome all who come to Chiclayo,” the artist said.
“This work symbolises the gratitude of the people of Lambayeque to the Holy Father for his message of love, hope, and unity,” Félix Mío Sánchez, regional manager of foreign trade and tourism for the Peruvian Government, said.
The provincial municipality of Chiclayo also participated in the unveiling of the sculpture.
The statue will be part of the Pope Leo tourist route.
The bishop of Chiclayo, Edinson Farfán, emphasised that “by blessing this sculpture, we renew our commitment to walk together: Church, state, institutions, and citizens under God’s gaze, to continue serving Pope Leo XIV with humility and generosity.”
“Our bishop emeritus is the Pope of communion; may his example inspire our public and community actions, and may his witness remind us that governing and serving is also an act of love,” he added.
Jorge Pérez, governor of the Lambayeque region, said the statue is also an act of thanksgiving “to one of our brothers, a Peruvian at heart, a Peruvian who walked with us and I am sure walks with us today through his prayers for the well-being of our people.”
Pope Leo XIV obtained Peruvian citizenship in 2015 and spent more than 20 years in Peru, serving in Chulucanas and Trujillo, and eventually as the bishop of Chiclayo.
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Statue of Pope Leo XIV unveiled and blessed in Chiclayo, Peru (By Walter Sánchez Silva, ACI Prensa via CNA)
