Pope Leo to Visit Peru on Historic Latin American Trip
Sandego.net – The Vatican has announced that Pope Leo XIV will travel to Peru as part of his first major Latin American journey as pontiff. The visit, scheduled for November 6-17, marks a meaningful return to the country where he served as bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023. This trip represents a homecoming for the first American-born pope, who spent nearly two decades in Peru as both missionary and church leader.
A Three-Nation Journey
The papal tour begins in Uruguay, where Leo XIV will stay from November 6 to 8. He then travels to Argentina for a three-day visit from November 8 to 11 before heading to Peru for the remainder of his trip. The route carries special significance, as Argentina is the homeland of Pope Francis, who never returned during his thirteen-year papacy.
During his Argentine visit, the pope will travel to Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Luján. In Uruguay, he will visit Montevideo, Paysandú, and Florida. Government officials have confirmed formal meetings with both nations’ leaders, including Uruguay’s President Yamandú Orsi.
Peru: A Spiritual Homecoming
For Peruvians, this visit holds deep personal meaning. Jimmy Horna, who heads security for the Chiclayo diocese and worked alongside Robert Prevost—Leo’s birth name—during the pontiff’s episcopal years, shared the community’s excitement. “We feel very happy, very joyful,” Horna told CNN. “Imagine having him back here in his home.”
Leo XIV first arrived in Peru in 1985 as a young Augustinian friar, spending formative years in Chulucanas and Trujillo. He engaged in social action and taught future priests while encountering liberation theology, a Christian movement originating in Peru that emphasizes the Church’s commitment to impoverished communities. After leaving Peru, Prevost spent twelve years in Rome directing the Augustinian order before returning to lead the Chiclayo diocese.
Political Connections and Historical Ties
Leo XIV’s familiarity with Latin American politics will be valuable during this visit. In Peru, Keiko Fujimori has recently been inaugurated as the country’s first female president. Her father, Alberto Fujimori, served as president from 1990 to 2000. During the Fujimori era, which overlapped with Leo XIV’s time as bishop, the pontiff publicly questioned the controversial pardon granted to Alberto Fujimori in 2017.
“We want the days to pass quickly so he can be here with us again, so we can greet him and give him a fraternal hug, since he is our great Catholic leader,” said Jimmy Horna.
Looking Ahead
Throughout his episcopal service in Peru, Leo XIV earned recognition as an engaged pastoral leader. He served as vice-president of the Peruvian bishops’ conference and actively addressed the crisis of sexual abuse within the Church. The pope maintains Peruvian citizenship and will visit his former diocese of Chiclayo, along with Lima, Cusco, and Pucallpa, during the Peruvian portion of his journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Pope Leo visit Peru? Pope Leo XIV arrives in Peru on November 11, 2026, as part of his Latin American tour that runs through November 17.
Where did Pope Leo serve as bishop? He served as bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023, making this a significant homecoming for the pontiff.
What other countries is Pope Leo visiting? The papal tour includes stops in Uruguay (November 6-8) and Argentina (November 8-11) before heading to Peru.
How long did Pope Leo spend in Peru before becoming pope? Leo XIV first arrived in Peru in 1985 as a young Augustinian friar and spent nearly twenty years there in various roles.
