In an unprecedented, historic event, and before more than a million people who arrived from various regions of Peru and even from other countries like Ecuador and Colombia, Pope Leo XIV led the highly anticipated Holy Mass on the esplanade of Pampas de Pimentel.
This is one of the key events of his apostolic visit to Chiclayo, the cherished diocese where he served as bishop for eight years.
"Dear brothers and sisters, what a joy it is to return to Chiclayo! It is a blessing for me to be with you once again", said Pope Leo XIV to the people during the Mass
"Thank you for your affection, your support, and, in particular, your prayers for my health during these trying times, times which, with God’s help, I am overcoming", he added.
"Upon seeing your faces, a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord arises spontaneously within me, for the blessings you have been, and continue to be, in my life and my episcopal ministry", he stressed.
"I keep you very much in my prayers, and I also ask that you continue to pray for me, so that our Lord Jesus Christ may grant me the grace to keep strengthening my brothers and sisters in the faith," highlighted the Pope Leo XIV.
The Supreme Pontiff arrived in the Popemobile at the vast, solemn altar—constructed specifically on the Pampas de Pimentel esplanade for this massive liturgical ceremony. The event underscored the deep Christian faith of the people of Chiclayo, helping to forge an unbreakable bond of affection with the 267th successor of Saint Peter.
Neither the intense heat—with a "feels-like" temperature exceeding 30 degrees Celsius—nor the long wait, which for many lasted over 24 hours, could dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd gathered for this massive liturgical celebration.
Throughout his journey, the Holy Father was greeted by the cheers of the crowd, who waved Peruvian and Vatican flags and wore shirts bearing the image of Leo XIV, along with phrases such as "Let us open our hearts" and "Leo XIV returns home." They also carried signs that read, "The Pope is from Chiclayo."
Also participating in this Holy Mass are the President of the Republic, Keiko Fujimori—accompanied by government ministers—as well as regional, military, police, and religious authorities.
As he approached the altar, the Vicar of Christ was met with a standing ovation from the more than one million attendees, accompanied by music performed by the National Symphony Orchestra and the National Choir—a combined ensemble of over 600 people.
The esplanade has been organized into large, letter-coded zones, which are further subdivided into quadrants to ensure the orderly placement of the thousands of attendees.
The layout employs a variable density system depending on the sector. In the central areas, the capacity is set at two people per square meter—equating to 5,000 people per quadrant—while in the side zones, the density is set at up to four people per square meter, or 10,000 attendees per quadrant.
This arrangement maximizes the use of the available space, allowing for a total capacity exceeding one million people.
For this massive liturgical celebration, 17 giant screens have been strategically placed throughout the venue, enabling attendees to follow the proceedings from any part of the vast esplanade.
These screens provide a real-time view of the events on the main stage, which is especially helpful for those positioned in areas furthest from the central canopy.
Also present at this significant liturgical celebration are fifteen revered religious icons, representing the deep Christian devotion found throughout Peru.
Notable among these icons are Saint Rose of Lima, the Virgin of the Gate (Virgen de la Puerta) of Chepén, Saint Peter (San Pedrito) of Chimbote, the Lord of Miracles (Señor de los Milagros) of Chiclayo, the Divine Child of the Miracle (Divino Niño del Milagro), and the Most Holy Cross of Motupe—one of the most venerated religious symbols in the Lambayeque region.
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(END) LZD / MDV
Publicado: 13/11/2026