—a U.S. citizen nationalized as Peruvian—to make an official visit to Peru this year, although no date has been set yet.
In an interview with El Comercio on Sunday, De Zela recalled that on January 7 the Peruvian government sent an official invitation to the Supreme Pontiff to visit the South American country.
The government official added that the Holy See's response was that Leo XIV not only wants to come to Peru, but has decided to do so this year.
"The official invitation has already been extended. The Pope has in his hands the formal invitation that was sent on January 7 and reiterated by President Jeri. The indications we have received from the Holy See are that the Pope does want to come to Peru and has decided to visit our country, which makes us very happy," De Zela said.
"What has not yet been decided is the date. The plans that exist—and this has indeed been conveyed to us—are that he will come this year," he added.
Regarding the versions circulating that the visit would take place starting in September or October this year—once the new government formed after this year's General Elections is in office—the minister underlined that there is no formal indication to that effect.
However, he acknowledged that such a timeline is the one currently being heard.
"What matters is that he arrives in Peru, not which government is in office when he does. We want him to come. If it were up to us, let him come tomorrow, but he has a series of obligations that prevent this; we hope it will be as soon as possible," the diplomat noted.
On other matters, Minister De Zela confirmed that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will pay an official visit to Peru before July.
"Yes, before July, and he will be visiting us under this government. That is what we have been told," De Zela stated.