11:07 | Vatican City, May. 20.
Pope Leo XIV did not hide his emotion upon receiving the delegation from the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru's northern Lambayeque region, made up of around 60 members.
The meeting reached its most emotional moment when the head of the Catholic Church was presented with typical Lambayeque products such as zapallo loche, king kong, algarrobina, and others, symbolizing the strong connection with Chiclayo.
The Lambayeque delegation, which included Pacora Mayor Jose Luis Sipion, presented Pope Leo XIV with several gifts, including a zapallo loche —an emblematic product of this northern region, widely used in local cuisine—, a wool poncho made by artisans from Incahuasi, and other typical items such as the traditional king kong sweet and algarrobina.
Before his guests, the Pope held in his hands a zapallo loche, a typical product from Lambayeque and a key ingredient in Arroz con Pato and Seco de Cabrito —two favorite dishes of the Supreme Pontiff during his pastoral service as Bishop of Chiclayo.
"L'Osservatore Romano"
Vatican City's newspaper,
L'Osservatore Romano (The Roman Observer),
highlighted that Pope Leo XIV met with a delegation from "his Diocese of Chiclayo," underscoring the deep connection the Supreme Pontiff has with this Christian territory, where he carried out pastoral work for many years.
The meeting, held in the Consistory Hall of the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, was filled with nostalgia, emotion, and gratitude, as the Supreme Pontiff had served with dedication and humility in that Diocese —first as apostolic administrator, then as bishop— from the end of 2014 until early 2023.
For that reason, in his first speech after being elected the highest leader of the Catholic Church, Robert Francis Prevost delivered a greeting in Spanish to his "beloved Diocese of Chiclayo."
His words expressed affection and closeness toward Peru —especially for that northern city, which amazed the world.
On November 3, 2014, Pope Francis appointed Robert Prevost as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, elevating him to the dignity of bishop and assigning him the titular see of Sufar.
On November 7, he took canonical possession of the Diocese in the presence of Apostolic Nuncio James Patrick Green; he was ordained a bishop on December 12, the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, at the cathedral of his Diocese; and on November 26, 2015, he assumed the position of Bishop of Chiclayo, which he held until 2023.
Pope Leo XIV highlighted the Diocese's missionary commitment and encouraged all those present to keep working for a Church that walks alongside the people, guided by a spirit of service, humility, and hope.
In the presence of bishops, priests, nuns, and laypeople, the Supreme Pontiff affectionately expressed: "Long live Chiclayo!" —prompting an ovation from those present.
In the photographic record, members of the Diocese of Chiclayo, other citizens, as well as Regional Governor Jorge Perez and the Pacora district mayor can be seen.
After participating in the meeting, the governor shared some details on his social media: "In an emotional audience with our dear Pope Leo XIV, he reaffirmed his deep love for Peru and Lambayeque (region). He highlighted our country's fundamental role in this new stage of his pontificate and humbly thanked the Peruvian people for their expressions of affection," he stated.
(END) TMC/JOT/MAO/JMP/MVB
Published: 5/20/2025