Foreign Affairs Minister Hugo de Zela on Friday said authorities are
awaiting confirmation of the exact date of Pope Leo XIV's visit to Peru.
The high-ranking official recalled that the Foreign Affairs Ministry officially extended the invitation to the Vatican City last January.
The Cabinet member added that all that remains is for the Supreme Pontiff to indicate the date on which he would carry out his visit to the country.
"We understand a strong possibility exists for a visit toward the end of this year; however, we still do not have official confirmation of the date," the diplomat said from Washington, D.C., United States, speaking to RPP Noticias.
"He (Pope Leo XIV) has already privately expressed his desire to travel to our country, so there is no doubt that he will go. However, I reiterate that the date has not yet been defined," De Zela noted.
As is known, the Peruvian Episcopal Conference (CEP) announced this week that the Bishop of Rome's arrival in Peru is expected to take place between November and December of this year.
"He (the Pope) expressed 'how much I already wish to be in Peru, because I love Peru,' and clearly told us that his visit would most likely take place in November, at the latest during the first week of December," CEP Chairman Carlos Garcia Camader said at a press conference.
Trip to the U.S.
In this regard, the Peruvian government official noted that a defense ministerial meeting will be held in Peru in the near future.
The Cabinet member added that the modernization of the Callao Naval Base will be carried out with support from U.S. Navy engineers.
Minister De Zela said talks addressed the construction of an aerospace port in Peru, as well as a United States offer to renew the Peruvian Air Force fleet.
"The shared will of both countries to work very closely within this strategic partnership was reiterated," he said, referring to the issues jointly addressed by both countries.
Major non-NATO ally
The minister once again highlighted that Peru has been designated by the United States as a major non-NATO ally.
He said this means Peru is regarded as a reliable country, while granting specific advantages, including access to cooperation, the procurement of military equipment at more favorable prices, and participation in joint exercises, among other benefits.
"It means we are working jointly with a significant number of countries around the world," the diplomat underscored.
(END) MCA/MVB
Published: 2/6/2026