Peru: Congress authorizes President Balcazar's trip to Vatican for meeting with Pope

Photo: AFP

Photo: AFP

01:01 | Lima, Jun. 13.

Congress’ plenary on Friday authorized President Jose Maria Balcazar's trip to the Vatican from June 15 to 19, 2026, for an official visit to Vatican City State and a private audience with Pope Leo XIV.

According to the document, the meeting with the Supreme Pontiff is scheduled for the morning of Thursday, June 18. Subsequently, and in line with Holy See protocol, the Head of State will meet with the Vatican Secretary of State.

The top official's visit is part of a foreign policy strategy aimed at securing an apostolic visit by Pope Leo XIV to Peru, given his exceptional ties to the country.

"The President's official visit is especially significant, as it will demonstrate the high priority that the Peruvian Government assigns to strengthening its relationship with the Holy See and, particularly, in a direct manner, with the Holy Father," states the legislative resolution bill submitted by the Executive Branch and approved by Congress.

President's agenda

President Balcazar's trip will also include a meeting with Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Secretary-General Mathias Cormann at the organization's headquarters in Paris, with the aim of reaffirming Peru's strong commitment to the accession process as a state policy.

Likewise, a meeting is scheduled with Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Secretary-General Qu Dongyu to discuss the main cooperation programs being implemented in Peru to eradicate hunger and malnutrition.

The Head of State will remain in charge of the Presidential Office through the use of digital technologies, which incorporate digital security mechanisms and safeguards to ensure the security of the communication systems to be used.

(END) RMCH/CVC/MVB

Published: 6/13/2026