on Sunday, following the canonization Mass of seven new saints held at St. Peter's Square, the Vatican.
The replica of the Christ of Pachacamilla was carried in procession from the streets of Rome to the heart of Catholicism, where hundreds of Peruvians and other Latin American faithful were awaiting the Holy Father.
At the conclusion of the canonization ceremony for seven new saints, the Supreme Pontiff made his way aboard the Popemobile to the area where the image was placed.
Amid applause and chants, His Holiness bestowed his blessing.
The gesture of the Pontiff —a devout follower of the Black Christ— was met with great emotion by those in attendance.
"We are absolutely thrilled. The Holy Father passed by in the Popemobile and blessed the image, as well as all the faithful. There were so many people, but we felt his closeness and affection for this great devotion from Peru," Rome-based Lord of Miracles Brotherhood Chairman Wilmer Oblitas stated.
From the Vatican, Peruvian Cardinal Pedro Barreto highlighted the fervor and unity of the Peruvian migrants who took part in this demonstration of faith.
"We are experiencing a communion with Christ, the Lord of Miracles. This devotion was born from an African migrant in Lima, and today Peruvian migrants in various parts of the world gather here, in the heart of the Church, to renew their faith and their commitment to the Gospel," the prelate expressed.
Thus, St. Peter's Square became the epicenter of purple devotion, with the presence of more than 4,000 faithful from South America, the United States, and Europe.
Among the devotees were carriers, singers, and incense bearers, dressed in the traditional white and purple attire, who accompanied the image's procession with prayers and songs.
At the conclusion of the canonization of seven new saints, and following the recitation of the Angelus, the Holy Father, "Peruvian at heart," addressed a greeting to the pilgrims.
“I extend my greetings to the pilgrims present, especially to the Brotherhood of the Lord of Miracles, which has celebrated the traditional procession," the Pontiff said amid applause.
The devotion to the Lord of Miracles, which originated in Lima in the 17th century, nowadays transcends borders.
It has also become a symbol of identity, hope, and unity for Peruvians around the world.