Pope Leo XIV praised the hospitality of the residents of Zaña, in the Lambayeque region of Peru, and expressed his thanks for the food prepared for him during his visit to the district, where he took part in the closing ceremony of the Jubilee Year of Saint Toribio de Mogrovejo.
“Thank you for welcoming me with the joy and hospitality that characterize you, for so many gestures of affection, and also for the delicious food that you have prepared for me with such great care,” the Supreme Pontiff stated, in a message that underscored the warmth of the inhabitants of this town in Lambayeque.
The Holy Father’s mention of the food prepared for his arrival also highlighted the richness of Zaña’s gastronomic tradition—a tradition renowned for recipes passed down through generations and for the use of ingredients characteristic of northern Peruvian cuisine.
Among the town’s traditional dishes are arroz con chancho (rice with pork), patitas con garbanzo (pork trotters with chickpeas), and frito de chancho (fried pork)—dishes that are integral to the culinary identity of this locality.
The gastronomy of the Lambayeque region is also noted for iconic recipes such as cabrito a la chiclayana (Chiclayo-style kid goat) and arroz con pato (rice with duck), which feature key ingredients like zapallo loche (a local variety of squash), cilantro, ají amarillo (yellow chili pepper), and chicha de jora (a traditional fermented corn beverage).
The words of Pope Leo XIV were received with great emotion by the people of Zaña, who gathered to express their affection and take part in this historic occasion.
The welcome also featured the presence of amazonas (female horse riders) and chalanes (traditional horsemen), who represent the region’s cultural heritage.
The pontiff’s visit held special significance for this town, as it was here that Saint Toribio de Mogrovejo passed away on March 23, 1606, during one of his pastoral visits.
At the Sanctuary of Saint Toribio de Mogrovejo, the Pope participated in the closing ceremony of the Jubilee Year, marking the 300th anniversary of the saint’s canonization, which took place in 1726.
In this way, the apostolic visit brought together the faith, history, and traditions of Zaña—a town in the Lambayeque region that welcomed the Holy Father with displays of affection and the distinctive flavors of its local cuisine.
Just as it had welcomed him, Zaña bade him farewell amidst colorful fireworks and the ringing of church bells.
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(END) JAM/TMC / MDV
Publicado: 14/11/2026