11:31 | Trujillo (La Libertad region), Jun. 10.
A new tourist route is being promoted in Peru's northern La Libertad region. It is a religious circuit that will allow visitors to tour all the
emblematic sites where current Pope Leo XIV served during his mission in Trujillo between 1988 and 1999.
The route has been named "The Paths of Pope Leo XIV in La Libertad."
It aims to preserve the memory and spiritual legacy of the Supreme Pontiff —a joint effort involving the local, regional, and national governments.
Arrangements begin
This week, the first coordination meeting was held in Trujillo.
It included the participation of
Deputy Tourism Minister Madeleine Burns, La Libertad interim Governor Joana Cabrera, Tourism and Foreign Trade Regional Manager Angelica Villanueva, representatives of the Order of the Augustinians, as well as from the Provincial Municipality of Trujillo, the District Municipality of Moche, and other stakeholders from the sector.
"The Pope has a Peruvian heart —particularly from La Libertad and Lambayeque (regions). We, the people from La Libertad, felt enormous joy when Robert Prevost, from the Vatican, was announced as the new Pope. Many of us here have known his simplicity, kindness, and exemplary pastoral work —promoting peace, harmony in the world, love for others, hope, and faith, as well as preaching justice, etc.," Joana Cabrera stated.
In that regard, Cabrera said that La Libertad Regional Government will provide all the necessary support to make this tourist route a reality, which involves the cities of Trujillo and Chiclayo.
The route
In turn, La Libertad Region Foreign Trade and Tourism Manager Angelica Villanueva stated that this route represents an opportunity to diversify the region's tourism offerings, revalue the history and spirituality of local communities, as well as promote local economic development in a sustainable and decentralized manner.
The official detailed that the main sites linked to this route are:
• The Santo Tomas de Villanueva Convent of the Order of Saint Augustine, where Robert Prevost lived for 10 years; his room and personal belongings are preserved there.
• The Santa Rita de Casia Parish of the Order of Saint Augustine, founded in 1983 by Leo XIV, where he served as parish priest until 1999.
• The Major Seminary of San Carlos and San Marcelo, where he was professor, director, and rector between 1989 and 1993.
• The Metropolitan Archdiocese of Trujillo, where he stayed between 1989 and 1993 and served as judicial vicar.
• The Our Lady of Monserrate Parish, linked to the Order of Saint Augustine, where he was the founding parish priest from 1992 to 1999.
Deputy Tourism Minister Madeleine Burns highlighted the importance of inter-institutional coordination to implement the necessary actions for the development of the tourist route, fostering joint work among the public, private, religious, and community sectors. (END) LPZ/MAO/JMP/MVB
Published: 6/10/2025