Pope Leo XIV Returns to Peru as Millions Celebrate His Homecoming

Pope Leo XIV has received a jubilant welcome in Peru, with millions of people reportedly turning out to celebrate his return to the country he describes as his second homeland.

The pontiff arrived in Lima on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, for the final leg of his three-country South American tour, marking an emotional homecoming to a nation where he spent more than two decades serving as a missionary priest and later as a bishop.

According to the Vatican, approximately three million people lined the streets along his motorcade route, waving Peruvian and Vatican flags as he made his way from Callao Air Base to the presidential palace.

The Chicago-born pontiff appeared visibly moved by the reception, greeting supporters and embracing children who presented him with flowers upon his arrival.

He was subsequently welcomed by President Keiko Fujimori during an official ceremony at the presidential palace, where he joined the president and a children’s choir in singing the Peruvian national anthem.

Addressing Peruvian authorities and government officials, Leo expressed gratitude to the people for the role they played in shaping his life and religious vocation.

He recalled obtaining Peruvian citizenship in 2015, describing the connection between himself and the country as one that had developed over many years.

“Today I understand how much of this land remains with me and how much of my own story also belongs to you,” he said.

He added that he was returning to his homeland with deep gratitude, drawing applause from those attending the ceremony.

Before becoming pope, Leo, formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost, spent more than 20 years in Peru as an Augustinian missionary and later served as bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023.

His long association with the country has earned him the affectionate nickname “Padre Robert” among many Peruvians, who regard him as a religious leader familiar with their everyday struggles.

The visit has generated widespread excitement, particularly in Chiclayo, where his former diocese has been preparing for his arrival. Murals, T-shirts, caps and other souvenirs bearing his image have become increasingly visible across the city.

A giant 14-metre statue of the pontiff was also unveiled in the port city of El Callao ahead of his arrival, while businesses in Lima reportedly began offering coffee decorated with his image.

During the visit, Leo is expected to return to several places associated with his years of religious service, including Chiclayo, Cusco and Pucallpa.

His planned activities include celebrating Mass, meeting Catholic communities and engaging with representatives of Indigenous populations in the Peruvian Amazon.

The Amazon visit is expected to draw attention to challenges facing Indigenous communities, including illegal gold mining, environmental destruction, poverty and violence.

Beyond the religious celebrations, the pontiff’s visit comes at a difficult period for Peru, which continues to grapple with political instability, corruption, rising crime and economic inequality.

Nearly 25.7 per cent of Peru’s population was living in monetary poverty in 2025, according to figures cited in reports surrounding the visit.

Many Peruvians are therefore hoping that the pope will use his influence to draw attention to the country’s social and political challenges, particularly the struggles of vulnerable communities.

Leo’s visit is also historically significant because he holds both American and Peruvian citizenship, making him the first pope from both countries.

His return has been described by observers as more than an official religious visit, representing an emotional reunion between a pontiff and a country that played a major role in shaping his identity and ministry.