12:11 | Vatican City (The Vatican), Feb. 11.
From the Vatican,
Pope Leo XIV once again sent greetings to Chiclayo, a city with which he maintains a strong bond dating back to the years when he served as Bishop of the Diocese of Chiclayo in Lambayeque region, northern Peru.
From the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, His Holiness spoke this morning during his catechesis about the Peruvian city and addressed Spanish-speaking pilgrims.
"I spiritually unite myself with all those gathered today in Chiclayo, Peru, to solemnly celebrate the World Day of the Sick," the Holy Father stated.
"I entrust everyone, especially the sick and their families, to the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Under her shelter, I also commend the victims and all those impacted by the severe floods in Colombia, while I urge the entire community to support the affected families with charity and prayer," he expressed.
With these heartfelt words, which were warmly received by those in attendance and delivered during the catechesis, the Pope once again expressed his closeness to the people of Chiclayo and to the rest of Peru.
This is not the first time Leo XIV has expressed his affection for the northern Peruvian city.
He did so when he was elected head of the Catholic Church in May 2025, and on every occasion that arises, particularly when he spots a Peruvian flag in St. Peter’s Square.
Expectations surrounding Pope Leo XIV's visit to Peru have grown after the Peruvian Episcopal Conference (CEP) announced that the Supreme Pontiff will arrive in our country between November and December of this year.
Chiclayo is hosting the main event for the World Day of the Sick today.
The arrival of this cardinal to preside over the celebration in the northern metropolis is regarded by specialists as a concrete sign of the His Holiness' closeness to the Peruvian "City of Friendship."
Leo XIV —Robert Francis Prevost— was born in the United States but also holds Peruvian nationality.
(END) MAO/MVB
Published: 2/11/2026