07:34 | Vatican City (The Vatican), Jun. 18.
Following his audience with
Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, the
President of the Republic, Jose Maria Balcazar, indicated that the Catholic Church leader will visit Peru in the first half of November.
The Head of State noted that the visit would include the cities of Lima, Chiclayo, Piura, Cusco, and Pucallpa, and possibly Puno and Iquitos, in a trip expected to last approximately 8 to 10 days.
"He (the Pope) has confirmed and reconfirmed that he is very interested in returning to Peru in the first half of November (...) He arrives in Lima, travels to Chiclayo, and from Chiclayo he will go to Piura, Sullana, and then perhaps Cusco and Pucallpa are also in his plans," Balcazar told RPP following the meeting, which lasted nearly two hours.
The top official explained that, due to security reasons, the Pope's final itinerary is being handled by a special Vatican office.
Likewise, the President said a helicopter has been offered to facilitate travel between different towns in the regions His Holiness may eventually visit, such as Incahuasi and Cañaris in Lambayeque region, northern Peru.
The Head of State noted that the Supreme Pontiff is well informed about developments in Peru, adding that they discussed political issues, specifically about elections.
Pope Leo XIV told him that he hopes Peruvians will unite and that political polarization will not continue.
President Balcazar said the Catholic Church leader expressed hope for a more humane approach to migration issues and for respect for human rights, while discussing the security situation in Peru.
As is known, His Holiness was born in the United States but also holds Peruvian nationality.
To move public works forward
The Head of State mentioned he told the Pope that the progress achieved during the months of his administration should be continued by whoever is elected to assume the Presidency of Peru starting on July 28.
He mentioned that these projects include the Southern Gas Pipeline, which—he said—will be unblocked this month; the new Central Highway, for which an initial allocation of S/400 million (about US$118 million) has been approved; and possibly the reservoirs in Lambayeque and Cajamarca regions.
"Those projects must become a reality so that the people can once again begin to have faith in their politicians," Balcazar stated.
The President—who serves as a congressman representing Lambayeque—added he was able to speak with Pope Leo XIV about Chiclayo and recalled that they already knew each other from previous meetings.
In addition, the Head of State noted they discussed the Holy Father's encyclical, which addresses issues such as human rights, artificial intelligence, and migration.
In remarks to TV Peru, the top official indicated that he will meet with the governors of those regions that the Pope may eventually visit, as well as with the corresponding mayors, so that they can set in motion the actions necessary for the papal visit.
Relevance for the economy
In remarks to Radio Nacional, the President emphasized that the Catholic Church leader's arrival will be significant for Peru because it will "boost the economy," particularly in sectors such as transportation, gastronomy, hotels, and other tourism-related activities.
The Head of State noted he was able to discuss illegal mining and the mercury problem with the Pope, adding that it contaminates rivers and affects people's health.
Moreover, the top official indicated that His Holiness agrees with the industrialization of minerals such as copper.
"He is also aware that we are going to hand over a sound economy to the new government, with higher per capita income. In addition, we are going to hand over a thriving economy; we are improving tax collection, and that is positive because only in this way will we have the opportunity to carry out the projects for which we are seeking supplemental funding from Congress," Balcazar stated.
At another point, the President said he is leaving the new government "well-established ties of friendship with our southern neighbors," as he noted that greater investment is needed in this part of the country.
Moreover, the Head of State indicated that his administration will hand over an investment program to address the needs of those localities.
Lastly, the top official said the government is promoting projects aimed at preventing Lake Titicaca from becoming further polluted.
(END) MCA/MVB
Published: 6/18/2026