In the Vatican Gardens,
on January 31 inaugurated a Mosaic of Marian Devotions in Peru and a statue of Saint Rose of Lima, both donated by the
, following its ad limina apostolorum visit, which began on January 26.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials of the Roman Curia, CEP bishops, officials from Peru's permanent missions in Rome, the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See, and religious congregations, among others.
The master of ceremonies was Peruvian Episcopal Conference (CEP) Assistant Secretary General, Father Guillermo Inca, who was recently appointed Chaplain of His Holiness.
In turn, Peruvian Ambassador to the Holy See, Jorge Ponce San Roman, thanked Pope Leo XIV for his presence.
Similarly, he conveyed the country's gratitude to all Vatican offices that helped make the initiative possible.
He noted that the aspiration was conceived during Pope Francis' pontificate, leading to authorization for the enthronement of the images and the opportunity to offer a visible and lasting tribute to two figures central to Peruvian faith and national identity.
Peru awaits papal visit
The diplomat reiterated his gratitude to His Holiness for his renewed expressions of affection toward Peru, noting that the entire nation looks forward in faith to his forthcoming visit to the country.
The remarks prompted visible expressions of joy from the Holy Father, followed by applause from the large audience in attendance.
Father Guillermo Inca highlighted the craftsmanship of the works produced by "Familia de Artesanos Don Bosco" (Don Bosco Artisan Family).
In turn, Lenin Alvarez, author of the Marian devotion mosaic project in Peru, said he and other artists worked on the piece for six months, using travertine marble from Huancayo, Junin region.
After blessing the Peruvian images, His Holiness said that "a joyful occasion brings us together today," describing the gesture as one that renews the deep bonds of faith and friendship linking the Holy See and Peru—a "country very dear to me," he emphasized.
The Pope thanked the Peruvian Episcopal Conference, Peru's ambassador to the Holy See, the Governorate of Vatican City State, as well as the artists who made the works possible.