Elecciones Generales 2026
Anfora 2026
The Holy Father met with the faithful at the Immaculate Conception Parish in that district of Cajamarca region. Photo: AFP

Pope Leo XIV in Santa Cruz: "It is a great dream that the Lord has allowed me to be here"

"It is like a very great dream that the Lord has allowed a servant of His to come all the way here, also during this pastoral visit to the Diocese of Chiclayo and all of Peru. I am very happy to meet all of you, the people of Santa Cruz and those who have come from farther away," Pope Leo XIV stated on Saturday before the faithful gathered at the Immaculate Conception Parish following his arrival in Santa Cruz district, Cajamarca region.

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Photo: ANDINA/Luis Iparraguirre

Pope Leo XIV draws millions of people: Why do Peruvians love him so much?

Three million people took to the streets of Lima and Callao to welcome Pope Leo XIV on his homecoming last November 11. More than 1 million faithful attended the Mass he celebrated in the desert plains of Pampas de Pimentel, in Lambayeque. How can the enormous love and affection shown by his fellow countrymen to the former Bishop Robert Prevost, now also a naturalized Peruvian citizen, be explained?

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Pope Leo XIV presides over the Coronation Rite of the Immaculate Virgin at Santa María Cathedral in Chiclayo. Photo: ANDINA/Luis Iparraguirre

Pope Leo XIV in Peru: "Immaculate Mary, by your side I learned to be Chiclayo's shepherd"

"Immaculate Mary, by your side I learned to be the shepherd of Chiclayo. You accompanied me through its towns and cities. Immaculate Mary, by your side I learned to be the shepherd of Chiclayo. You accompanied me through its towns and cities. You taught me to meet its people and to be attentive to their needs," Pope Leo XIV said in his homily delivered during the Coronation Rite of the Immaculate Virgin's image, which he officiated at Santa María Cathedral in the "City of Friendship" on Saturday morning.

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Pope Leo XIV greets the crowd upon his arrival at Pampas de Pimentel in Lambayeque region.  Photo: ANDINA/Luis Iparraguirre

Peru declared "Land of Pope Leo XIV" and Chiclayo as "Faithful Town"

Through Supreme Decree No. 017-2026 of the Ministry of Justice, the Republic of Peru was recognized on Saturday as the "Land of Pope Leo XIV" and the city of Chiclayo as "Faithful Town," in homage to the Supreme Pontiff.

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