The President of the Republic, Jose Maria Balcazar, attended on Tuesday the traditional Solemn Mass and Te Deum at the Basilica Cathedral of Lima, accompanied by all Cabinet members, led by Prime Minister Luis Arroyo.
Ahead of one of his final official engagements as head of state, Balcazar received military honors from the "Marshal Domingo Nieto" Cavalry Regiment—the honorary military unit that escorts the President of the Republic and safeguards the Government Palace.
Afterwards, the top official walked to the Cathedral, where he was received by the Metropolitan Chapter Dean, Monsignor Victor Solis, who welcomed and invited him to enter the main nave of the temple.
The president, accompanied by his wife, Blanca Quiroz, was greeted by Archbishop of Lima Monsignor Carlos Castillo before the start of the Mass commemorating the 205th Anniversary of Peru's Independence.
Also attending the ceremony were senior Peruvian authorities, including Judiciary Chairwoman Janet Tello, Senate Chairman Miguel Torres, Ombudsman Josue Gutierrez, among others.
(END) RAI/MVB