10:47 | Chiclayo (Lambayeque region), Aug. 14.
In a historic event marking a before and after in Latin American religious art, the monumental sculpture of Pope Leo XIV was unveiled at the entrance to the city of Chiclayo, Peru's northern Lambayeque region, on Thursday.
The public work —measuring 7 meters in height and weighing 500 kilograms— stands majestically at the Papal Chimu Roundabout, welcoming travelers arriving via the Panamericana Norte (Northern Pan American Highway).
The sculpture was created by renowned artist Juan Carlos Ñañake —a native of Piura— celebrated for his mastery in sacred art and public monuments.
Entirely made of fiberglass and resin, materials resistant to northern Peru's arid climate, the Supreme Pontiff's figure rises on a 2-meter concrete pedestal, extending a hand in a gesture of blessing.
During the inauguration ceremony, hymns of praise to God set a festive tone, while devotees and tourists applauded the unveiling of the new emblem of Pope Leo XIV's Papal Route, a project aimed at strengthening faith and religious tourism in the region.
"This work symbolizes the gratitude of the people of Lambayeque to the Holy Father for his message of love, hope, and unity," Foreign Trade and Tourism Regional Manager Felix Mio underscored.
A gathering of brotherhoods and religious delegations took part in this grand event, including the Holy Cross of Chalpon from Olmos, the images of Saint Paul and Saint Peter of Pacora, the Captive Lord of Monsefu, Saint Toribio of Mogrovejo, the Divine Child of the Miracle of Ciudad Eten, and the Lord of Miracles of Campodónico, among other religious communities.
The event was also attended by a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, businesspeople, and personalities linked to Lambayeque's tourism sector.
Earlier, a paraliturgy was held led by the Bishop of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Monsignor Edinson Farfan.
The priest stated that Pope Leo XIV's sculpture will serve as a living memory of that joyful and fruitful love for Chiclayo, a constant reminder that only love builds.
At the same time, the priest called for walking together.
"Today, by blessing this sculpture, we renew our commitment to walk together: Church, State, institutions, and citizens under God's gaze, to continue serving with humility and generosity Pope Leo XIV. Our Emeritus Bishop is the Pope of communion; may his example inspire our public and community actions, and may his testimony remind us that governing and serving is an act of love, too," he emphasized.
Leo XIV —Robert Francis Prevost— was born in the United States but also holds Peruvian nationality. He spent much of his life on missions in the South American country, eventually becoming Bishop of Chiclayo.
In turn, Region Governor Jorge Perez stated that this sculpture is a token of gratitude "to a brother of ours, a Peruvian at heart, a Peruvian who walked with us, and I am sure that he always walks with his prayers for the well-being of our Peruvian people."
Perez emphasized that former Bishop Robert Prevost had taught in his homilies and meetings that "with faith, hope, and unity we can move forward."
In turn, Chiclayo Mayor Janet Cubas expressed her gratitude to Pope Leo XIV for putting Chiclayo in the eyes of the world.
Art, devotion, and tourism development
Ñañake, along with a team of six local artists, spent three months modeling and assembling the piece.
It has been both an artistic and spiritual challenge. We wanted Pope Leo XIV to convey serenity and approachability. His smile will welcome everyone arriving in Chiclayo," the artist expressed.
This is the first city in the world to honor the Supreme Pontiff with a large-scale sculpture, turning Chiclayo into an international benchmark for religious tourism.
The sculpture is part of a circuit that includes two other pieces dedicated to the Pontiff: one in the coastal district of Pimentel and another planned for the future Papal Promenade on Salaverry Avenue. This themed corridor aims to create spaces for reflection, art, and family gatherings.
With the dance of a graceful northern Marinera and a fireworks display, the festive program for the unveiling of the sculpture of the Supreme Pontiff concluded. The lights that will illuminate this impressive sculpture were switched on as well.
A new era for Lambayeque Tourism
The government agency allocated S/3 million (US$889,680) to Lambayeque Region Government to strengthen cultural and religious tourism in the region, as part of a broader plan exceeding S/100 million (US$29,665,991) currently underway.
"With this monument, Chiclayo reaffirms its title as the 'Spiritual Cradle of Pope Leo XIV' and positions itself as the capital of religious tourism in northern Peru," Mio emphasized.
The sculpture stands not only as an impressive work of art but also as a symbol of identity, faith, and hope, inviting the world to discover the spiritual and cultural paths of northern Peru.
(END) SDC/TMC/MVB
Published: 11/14/2025