Amid applause, enthusiastic cheers, and expressions of affection, Pope Leo XIV arrived aboard a mini Popemobile at Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo Catholic University (USAT), in Chiclayo, Peru's northern Lambayeque region.
The Supreme Pontiff was greeted with great excitement by attendees as part of his apostolic visit to Peru.
As he made his way through, those present expressed their excitement at having him back in Lambayeque and dedicated a phrase to him that reflected his special bond with the northern city.
"Leo, brother, you are from Chiclayo!" could be heard among those awaiting his arrival.
The Holy Father's entrance into the university took place after a day of activities in Chiclayo.
Earlier, His Holiness presided over a large-scale Eucharistic celebration at Pampas de Pimentel, where hundreds of thousands of faithful gathered to attend Mass.
Later, the Pope presented the Golden Rose to the image of Nuestra Señora de la Paz (Our Lady of Peace) during a meeting with Catholic Church representatives at the sanctuary dedicated to this Marian devotion.
This gesture marked one of the most significant moments of his return to the city, where he served as bishop from 2015 to 2023.
Before heading to USAT, he also made a private visit to the San Óscar Arnulfo Romero Chapel, which belongs to the San José Obrero Parish in La Victoria district.
The Pope's visit to the university is particularly significant because of his ties to the institution. During his tenure as Bishop of Chiclayo, he was also involved in its institutional life.
The mini Popemobile enabled him to travel around the university facilities, while attendees expressed their joy at once again being close to someone they consider part of the Chiclayo community.
The university students could be heard chanting: "Leo, my friend, Chiclayo stands with you!" "You are our hope, Leo!" "This is the Pope's youth!" and "We love you, Pope, we love you!"
(END) JAM/TMC/MVB