Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Espá y Garcés-Alvear stated today that Pope Leo XIV’s visit to the country is fostering a spirit of reconciliation and unity among all Peruvians.
Speaking to TVPerú Noticias, he expressed his joy upon arriving at the "Teniente Alejandro Velasco Astete" International Airport in Cusco to welcome the Supreme Pontiff following his activities in Lambayeque.
"We are very happy to welcome Pope Leo XIV once again—just as we have done in every location across Peru—and we are also deeply moved by the sensitivity the Pope is showing. He is clearly happy to be in his homeland, in his own land—Peru—because he is, after all, a Peruvian Pope," he said.
Foreign Minister Espá noted that the Holy Father’s entourage described the tour through the country as "very special," thanks to the warm and enthusiastic reception from the people.
In this regard, he highlighted that on Pope Leo XIV’s first day in Lima, three million people took to the streets. He also pointed out that in a small town like Santa Cruz de Succhabamba, in the Cajamarca region, one hundred thousand people attended the papal event.
"People have walked for days, coming down from the mountains to get here. It is a source of great joy; as the Pope himself remarked yesterday, it is like a pilgrimage. The paths are difficult and the weather is cold, yet people still made the journey because they wanted to be close to the Pope. It reflects a deep desire for reconciliation and unity among all Peruvians. That is why we—all of us who helped organize this visit—feel such joy; we have contributed our own small part toward the reconciliation and unity that we all desire," he said.
According to the schedule for Pope Leo XIV, the supreme authority of the Catholic Church will meet with the faithful and representatives of popular piety at the Saqsaywaman National Archaeological Park, where he will deliver an address. Afterward, he will lead the Angelus prayer with the Catholic community in the square in front of the Basilica Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
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Publicado: 15/11/2026