on Friday expressed its deep gratitude to Pope Leo XIV for the affection and closeness he showed toward Peru during the Special Audience granted by the Holy Father following the Mass of Enthronement held on May 18 of this year.
During this meeting, the Holy Father addressed the Peruvian delegation in a friendly tone, recalling with special appreciation his episcopal service in the Diocese of Chiclayo, northern Peru, where he exercised his pastoral ministry for several years.
The CEP delegation was composed of Monsignor Jorge Izaguirre Rafael, Bishop of Chosica and First Vice President; Monsignor Luis Alberto Barrera Pacheco, Bishop of Callao and Second Vice President; and Reverend Guillermo Inca Pereda, Deputy Secretary General.
Also, in attendance were Monsignor Salvador Piñeiro Garcia-Calderon, Archbishop of Ayacucho; Monsignor Miguel Cabrejos Vidarte, Archbishop Emeritus of Trujillo; Monsignor Pascual Rivera Montoya, Prelate Bishop of Huamachuco; and Monsignor Giorgio Barbetta Manzocchi, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Huari.
During the Holy Mass marking the beginning of the pontificate, in the rite of obedience to the new Successor of Peter, Monsignor Luis Barrera Pacheco and Father Guillermo Inca participated prominently on behalf of the Peruvian Episcopate.
"The Pope knows the reality of Peru; we do not need to explain it to him because he carries the country in his heart. He himself told us that he is the first to be amazed by how God has led him along unexpected paths and how he is still impressed by God’s work in his life," said Monsignor Jorge Izaguirre, First Vice President of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference.
"We thank him for his affection and closeness to our country," the monsignor added.
Lastly, the CEP invites all the People of God to join in prayer for the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, so that the Holy Spirit may guide and strengthen him in his mission at the helm of the Church.