at the Vatican last Sunday, she invited him to make one of his first visits to Peru, especially to the city of Chiclayo, in northern Lambayeque region.
This message was delivered during the ceremony for the enactment of the law promoting the connection between the flour industry and the production of quinoa and other Andean grains, held in Lima’s La Molina district.
"We personally invited him (Pope Leo XIV) to ensure that one of his first visits would be to our homeland, and especially to the city of Chiclayo, which he loves so much, where the 'Route of the Pope' has been prepared in coordination with the regional governor," she stated.
Likewise, the Head of State said that the Holy Father’s enthronement ceremony was filled with deep faith for the world.
"I bring the affection of Pope Leo XIV, which he expressed toward Peru during those 15 minutes of private audience between the Supreme Pontiff and the President of Peru, where I conveyed the affection, love, and faith of millions of Peruvians to the Holy Father," she said.
Pope Leo XIV grateful for Peruvians' affection
The Head of State indicated that the Supreme Pontiff "is content and happy with the affection received from the thousands of Peruvians" and highlighted Pope Leo XIV’s message during the ceremony at Saint Peter’s Square, calling for unity, faith, and peace.
"These are the fundamental pillars that will allow us to move forward in unity, faith, and the reconciliation we must achieve, while hatred, grudges, and evil remain negative and unproductive actions (...) we call on them to reflect and unite in the Holy Father's call for unity, faith, and love, to rediscover ourselves as humanity and progress—not only Peru, but the entire world," she stated.
Leo XIV is the 267th pope of the Catholic Church and ninth sovereign of Vatican City since May 8, 2025, being the first to be born in the United States, although he also holds Peruvian nationality.
Robert Prevost is an Augustinian friar who came to Peru as a missionary at the start of his clerical career.
He served as Bishop of Chiclayo, prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, and was appointed cardinal in September 2023 by Pope Francis.
(END) JCC/JMP/MVB