00:30 | Vatican City (The Vatican), Jan. 22.
Peruvian Ambassador to the Holy See, Jorge Fernando Ponce San Roman, on Wednesday presented his letters of credence to
Pope Leo XIV.
The ceremony was held at the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican, officially marking the start of his duties to the Vatican City State.
During the event, the ambassador formally handed the original letters of credence directly to the Supreme Pontiff and introduced the Peruvian diplomatic mission members.
The envoy also presented His Holiness with books on female monasteries of the Viceroyalty, on Peru's popular dances and traditions, as well as a framed copy of the Supreme Resolution granting him Peruvian citizenship in 2015.
In turn, Pope Leo XIV gave the diplomat a book on the Vatican's artistic and cultural heritage, along with the apostolic medal of his pontificate, an honor that was bestowed upon the Peruvian delegation as well.
Shared agenda
After offering his blessing to the Peruvian delegation, Pope Leo XIV received the ambassador in his private library.
They discussed strengthening relations between Peru and the Holy See, placing emphasis on promoting peace, dialogue, and the defense of human dignity.
The meeting also addressed activities related to the ad limina apostolorum visit of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference (CEP), including the enthronement of a sculpture of Saint Rose of Lima and a Marian mosaic in the Vatican Gardens.
Lastly, the envoy reiterated the invitation from the Peruvian government for a possible visit by Pope Leo XIV to Peru, highlighting the Pontiff's spiritual ties to the South American country.
Subsequently, Ambassador Ponce San Roman met with the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Piero Parolin.
They discussed the international context, Peru's political and electoral process, as well as the role of the Catholic Church in promoting dialogue and peace.
(END) NDP/ETA/JCR/MVB
Publicado: 22/1/2026