Pope Francis —who passed away at the age of 88 on Monday— visited Peru from January 18 to 21, 2018, in his only trip to the South American country, which took him to the cities of Lima, Puerto Maldonado, and Trujillo, carrying a message of hope, reconciliation, and concern for the environment.
Upon his arrival in Lima on January 18, 2018, Pope Francis was received by then-President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski.
In the popemobile, he traveled through the capital city's streets of the capital city, greeting the thousands of Peruvians who gathered along his route to the Apostolic Nunciature, where he stayed.
Puerto Maldonado
On January 19, Pope Francis arrived in Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios region, where he met with Catholic faithful and indigenous communities.
"I had long awaited this encounter, I wanted to start my visit to Peru here. Thank you for being here and for allowing us to see more closely, in your eyes, the reflection of this land," the Pope said, highlighting the biological, cultural, and spiritual richness of the Amazon.
The Holy Father stated that he was aware of the threats facing this region, the suffering endured by some communities due to oil spills, and human trafficking.
Similarly, he called for continued defense of the indigenous peoples in voluntary isolation, the "most vulnerable brothers."
That same day, Pope Francis returned to Lima and was received at the Government Palace in Lima by then-President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski and his wife Nancy Lange.
The Supreme Pontiff advocated for a greater culture of transparency among public entities, the private sector, and civil society.
He also stated that "corruption is avoidable and requires everyone's commitment" because it causes great harm to peoples and democracies.
Trujillo
On January 20, the Supreme Pontiff landed in Trujillo, La Libertad region, northern Peru.
He toured the city center in the popemobile, visited the Cathedral of Trujillo and the Buenos Aires district, one of the areas most affected by the floods caused by Coastal El Niño phenomenon.
Upon arrival, a couple danced a marinera for Pope Francis, who enjoyed the performance.
Before a massive gathering of faithful on Huanchaco Beach, Pope Francis celebrated a mass, highlighting the unity and solidarity of Peruvians in response to the rain emergency.
"I know that, in the moment of darkness, when you felt the blow of El Niño, these lands knew how to mobilize and had the oil to run and help one another like true brothers," he said.
Final gathering in Lima
On January 21, Pope Francis concluded his visit with a mass held at Las Palmas Air Base in Lima's Surco district, before more than 1 million faithful who had been waiting since early in the morning.
On his final day in Peru, the Pope began his activities with the recitation of the Third Hour at the Sanctuary of the Lord of Miracles, in Las Nazarenas Church, downtown Lima.
He then went to Lima's Cathedral to pray before the relics of Peruvian saints and met with local bishops at the Archbishop's Palace.
At midday, the Supreme Pontiff carried out his first public activity of the day by praying the Angelus in the Plaza de Armas, before a large crowd of faithful who always welcomed him with enthusiasm and joy.
During his visit to Peru, many citizens closely followed his activities with great excitement and were even able to see him on the city streets during his trips in the popemobile to various events.
Pope Francis died today after suffering a painful illness.
The passing of Jorge Mario Bergoglio —the first Latin American pope— was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
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Published: 4/21/2025