Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Peru, describing his return to the South American nation as a deeply personal homecoming and declaring that he is returning not only as the Successor of Peter but also to a country that has become an important part of his own life story.
The Holy Father arrived in Lima on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, beginning the third and final leg of his Apostolic Journey to South America, following official visits to Uruguay and Argentina.
His arrival marks a significant moment in the 12-day papal journey, which runs from 6 to 17 November and includes engagements across three countries. Peru holds particular importance for Pope Leo XIV because of his longstanding missionary and pastoral experience in the country, where he served for many years and developed close relationships with local communities.
According to the Vatican’s official programme, the papal aircraft departed Buenos Aires at approximately 2:00 p.m. local time, with the Pope arriving at Callao Air Base in Lima at approximately 5:30 p.m. He was received in an official welcome ceremony before proceeding to the Government Palace for further engagements.
Pope Leo XIV spoke emotionally about his relationship with Peru.
He explained that his connection with the country began long before his appointment as Bishop of Chiclayo. For years, he had lived alongside ordinary Peruvians, listened to their concerns, shared their experiences and learned from their faith.
Reflecting on the hospitality he received, the Pope recalled how many Peruvian families welcomed him into their homes, shared meals with him and made him feel like one of their own.
“I am very pleased to be back in Peru. This return visit holds a very special meaning for me. For years, I shared in the lives of its people, listened to their concerns, and learned from their faith. Many opened the doors of their homes to me and made me feel like one of their own,” Pope Leo wrote on X.
He continued by reflecting on the lasting relationship he developed with the country and its people.
“Today I understand how much of this land remains with me and how much of my own story also belongs to you. That is why I can tell you, with deep gratitude, that I am also returning to my homeland,” he said.
Before his election as Pope in May 2025, Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, had a longstanding connection with Peru.
He first arrived in the country as a missionary in the 1980s and subsequently served in different pastoral and Church leadership responsibilities. He later became Bishop of Chiclayo, a position through which he maintained close contact with communities in northern Peru.
In 2015, he acquired Peruvian citizenship, formalising a bond that had developed through decades of missionary and pastoral service.
