Pope Leo XIV arrived in Lima on Wednesday for a historic visit, warmly declaring Peru his “homeland” as millions of citizens turned out to welcome the Chicago-born pontiff back to the country where he spent decades as a missionary and bishop.
Stepping off an Aerolineas Argentinas charter plane, the Pope smiled broadly throughout his arrival. The Vatican estimated that three million people lined the extensive motorcade route, waving Peruvian and Holy See flags while some supporters managed to break through security to follow his transport vehicle.
The motorcade brought the Pope to the presidential palace for an official meeting with Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori.
During the welcoming ceremony in the courtyard—which featured traditional Quechua music and a Marinera dance performance from his former diocese of Chiclayo—Pope Leo joined Fujimori and a children’s choir in singing the Peruvian national anthem. Crowds outside chanted, “The pope is Peruvian!”
Reflecting on the Peruvian citizenship he received in 2015, the pontiff credited the local population with shaping his pastoral vocation through shared experiences, joys, and struggles.
”Today I understand how much of this land remains with me and how much of my own story also belongs to you,” he said.
”That is why I can tell you, with deep gratitude, that I am also returning to my homeland,” he added to applause.
The visit marks the emotional culmination of the Pope’s three-nation South American tour, honoring the more than twenty years he served locally as “Padre Robert” before becoming a bishop.