expressed his deep appreciation for the South American country and praised the solidarity and closeness to the poor he found in the country, going so far as to say that "the God of the poor lives in Peru,"
Following a private audience he held with the Holy Father at the Vatican, Cardinal Carlos Castillo Mattasoglio said Leo XIV appeared "very joyful and happy" when recalling Peru—a country he knows deeply because of his long pastoral experience there.
"Peru's example and the path it followed alongside its people show that the God of the poor lives in our country, the God of solidarity, the God who wants humanity to be happy. That God lives in Peru," the cardinal said while conveying the Holy Father's words.
Preparations for the Pope's visit to Peru
The cardinal noted that preparations for the event represent a major challenge for both the Church and the South American country.
"After seeing the trip to Spain, a huge amount of work lies ahead of us!" he said, explaining that it will be necessary to present to the Supreme Pontiff both Peru's human and spiritual wealth and the main problems facing society.
"We will have to identify the main problems we are facing in Peru, as well as the riches and beautiful things he already knows, but we must also present them to him, because we have many urgent matters that need to be improved, corrected, and strengthened," Castillo said.
Moreover, he stressed that Leo XIV "knows us very well," which will allow his visit to connect closely with Peru's reality.
A call to value Peru's diversity
According to the Primate of Peru, the upcoming papal visit represents an opportunity to reconnect with the country's identity and strengthen unity among Peruvians.
In that regard, he called for valuing Peru's cultural and social diversity while rejecting all forms of discrimination.
The Pope's call for unity among cardinals
During his stay in Rome, Cardinal Castillo also took part in the second extraordinary consistory convened by Leo XIV, which brought together 175 cardinals from around the world.
At that meeting, the Supreme Pontiff underscored the need to strengthen communion within the Church and called for firm support for the ministry.
Toward a more synodal Church
Finally, Cardinal Castillo explained that the consistory addressed three major issues: the encyclical Magnificat Humanitas, the international situation and peace, and the implementation of the synodal path with a view to 2028.
"We want the synodal path to reach 2028 with proper preparation, because it is based on a living awareness of what we are experiencing in the world, always challenged by reality," he stated.
In that context, the Archbishop of Lima summed up the vision driving Leo XIV's pontificate with a phrase that—he said—shaped the reflections shared in Rome.
"We are moving toward a diversified and united Church," he concluded.