Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Peru in a spectacular homecoming that drew an estimated three million people to the streets to greet him. Source: EWTN News.
Leo, a US citizen but also a naturalised citizen of the country where he served as a missionary and bishop for about 20 years before becoming Pope, met privately with President Keiko Fujimori, then addressed her and other dignitaries about Peru’s current state and prospects.
“For decades, I shared in the lives of its people, listened to their concerns and learned from their faith,” the Pope said, drawing laughter when he noted that he also ate ceviche, a traditional Peruvian dish based on raw fish.
“Today I understand how much of this land remains with me and how much of my own story also belongs to you.”
Invoking his deep personal experience — “I recall seemingly simple conversations in which the difficulties of a family or the hopes of an entire community came to light” — Leo called on Fujimori and other public officeholders to listen to their citizens.
The Pope referred gently to the national reconciliation process still underway in Peru after decades of left-wing terrorism, followed by years of a counterterrorism campaign led by President Alberto Fujimori, which was denounced for violations of human rights. The future Pope Leo, then Father Robert Prevost, criticised both the left-wing insurgents and the government at the time. He also called on the elder Fujimori to ask forgiveness.
In his speech on Wednesday the Pope addressed the related problem of polarisation, encouraging everyone “to cultivate honesty, integrity, and a willingness to engage with others — qualities that sustain trust among people and give strength to the life of institutions”.
He also addressed the issue of violent crime, an urgent concern not just in Peru but across Latin America and urged more social support for those in need.
“When a person falls ill or needs ongoing care, the lives of those around them also change. Anyone who has cared for a loved one knows how much timely medical care, a friendly presence and a word of comfort mean. I think of the elderly, people with disabilities and those suffering from loneliness or mental health challenges. Many families quietly shoulder this burden, often with great sacrifice. I encourage the authorities to support this dedication by providing them with accessible health services and strengthening preventive medicine.”
After the speech, Leo went to the apostolic nunciature in Lima, where a large crowd was waiting for him.
On Thursday he met Peru’s bishops, visit Lima’s cathedral and met the faithful in the square outside, and will lead an evening vigil with young people.
FULL STORY
Pope Leo XIV returns to Peru: ‘Much of my own story belongs to you’ (By Francis X. Rocca, EWTN News)
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