Peru's Independence Day: Pope Leo XIV greets Peru, calls for a fraternal coexistence

Photo: AFP

Photo: AFP

17:51 | Lima, Jul. 28.

Pope Leo XIV sent greetings to Peru on the occasion of Independence Day and offered his best wishes for fraternal coexistence among all Peruvians.

During her Address to the Nation, President Dina Boluarte shared the congratulations extended by the Holy Father on the celebration of the 204th Anniversary of Peruvian independence.

"I extend to Your Excellency my heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of the national holiday of that beloved Nation," reads the message, as read aloud by the Head of State at Congress headquarters on Monday.

"I offer my best wishes for a fraternal coexistence among all the sons and daughters of the Peruvian people," it continued.

Pope Leo XIV also stated: "I pray to the Lord Jesus that, through the intercession of Our Lady of Mercy, He may grant you progress in building a just, peaceful, and united society."

Following the reading of the message, the President reiterated —on behalf of all Peruvians— the invitation for Pope Leo XIV to visit Peru.

"The nation that welcomed you with open arms and that, out of love, you chose as your own," she expressed.

Leo XIV —Francis Robert Prevost— is American but also holds Peruvian nationality, having spent much of his life on missions in the Andean country, eventually becoming the Bishop of Chiclayo.

(END) FHG/CVC/MVB

Published: 7/28/2025