Pope Leo gets rapturous welcome in Peru: ‘This visit is like a big party’
Pope Leo XIV is receiving a warm welcome in Peru during his 11-day South American tour. Known locally as 'Padre Roberto' from his time as a bishop in the region, his visit is being celebrated as a major cultural event.
Why it matters
The visit underscores the strong cultural and religious ties between the Catholic Church and Latin American communities, particularly given the Pope's personal history in the region.
Ica, Peru. Peruvians have been ecstatic about the visit of Pope Leo XIV. Photograph: UCG/Universal Images Group/Getty Images Ica, Peru. Peruvians have been ecstatic about the visit of Pope Leo XIV. Photograph: UCG/Universal Images Group/Getty Images Pope Leo XIV Pope Leo gets rapturous welcome in Peru: ‘This visit is like a big party’ Pope Leo XIV is visiting the country, where he spent nearly a decade as bishop, during an 11-day South American tour
Prefer the Guardian on Google T he walls in Chiclayo have been painted with colourful murals and banners welcoming Pope Leo XIV , but he is better known to residents of this city in northern Peru as “Padre Roberto” – a pastor who walked their streets, shared their love of local cuisine, and stood by them through natural disasters and the Covid-19 pandemic.
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