In the heart of northern Peru, the city of Chiclayo has been swept up in a wave of joy and devotion as Pope Leo XIV returned to the place he once called home. The pontiff, who holds Peruvian citizenship and served as bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023, celebrated an open-air mass on Friday at a park in Pimentel, just 10 kilometers from the city. The Vatican estimated that over 1.5 million people gathered to welcome him, marking one of the most significant events of his Latin America tour.
A Homecoming Like No Other
The atmosphere was electric as the crowd, some of whom had arrived 12 hours in advance, waited in vigil through the night. "We spent the night praying, alongside family, excited to welcome the Pope from Chiclayo," shared Isa Orderique, a local resident. Many others traveled from across Peru and even neighboring countries, like Merli Cruz Guerrero from near the Ecuadorean border, who endured a long bus ride and an overnight wait to be part of the historic moment.
As the Pope's motorcade approached, a hush fell over the crowd, despite the sweltering heat that pushed past 30C. For the people of Chiclayo, this visit was deeply personal. Pope Leo's extensive work in the region before ascending to the papacy has put their city in the global spotlight. "The Pope has come home and Chiclayo is celebrating," said Lisbeth Díaz, a teacher who worked with him during his tenure as bishop.
A Legacy of Compassion
Pope Leo's connection to Peru runs deep. He lived in the country for long periods between 1985 and 2023 and became a Peruvian citizen in 2015. His time in Chiclayo was marked by compassion and service, particularly during crises. He helped launch soup kitchens during the Covid-19 pandemic and famously waded through floodwaters on horseback to reach affected communities. These moments are captured in a small museum dedicated to him at the bishop's residence.
But his impact extends beyond photographs and anecdotes. For many, he is the man who brought Peruvians closer to the Church. "It is the return of the man who brought Peruvians closer to the Church," said Father Samuel David Miranda Atoche, a local priest ordained by the Pope when he was still Bishop Robert Prevost. Díaz, a Venezuelan migrant, recalled how he helped expedite residency permits for migrants fleeing their country's crisis. "It was difficult for him to see so many migrants living on the streets," she said.
Leading with Unity
His leadership also involved navigating difficult issues, such as the dissolution of the Sodalitium of Christian Life, a Peruvian Catholic organization plagued by sexual abuse allegations. Santiago Roncagliolo, a Peruvian writer, believes his handling of that crisis earned him the favor of his predecessor, Pope Francis, and helped pave his path to the papacy.
Father David emphasized the Pope's role in fostering unity. "If there is one thing Bishop Prevost worked for here, it was unity," he said. That unity was on full display in the days leading up to the mass, with the square in front of Chiclayo Cathedral filled with joyous celebrations. The city's population of 800,000 has reportedly doubled with the influx of pilgrims, and local businesses have been thriving.
As the crowd shouted, "The Pope is from Chiclayo!" the pontiff expressed his gratitude. "As I look at your faces, a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord arises in my heart," he said, "for the blessing you have been and continue to be in my life." For Chiclayo, the feeling is mutual.
