The President of the Republic, Keiko Fujimori, welcomed His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at Government Palace on Wednesday evening, as the Holy Father began his apostolic visit to Peru.
His Holiness arrived at the Main Square aboard the Popemobile, where thousands of faithful welcomed him amid an emotional atmosphere of fervor, hope, and faith.
At Government Palace's Courtyard of Honor, the Supreme Pontiff walked along the red carpet to receive the honors rendered by the historic units of the Armed Forces and the National Police.
The participating units included the Captain Juan Fanning García Historical Company of the Peruvian Navy and the 72nd Parachute Squadron of the Historic Aeronautical Corps of Peru, representing the Peruvian Air Force.
The Mariano Santos Mateo Historical Company of the Peruvian National Police, named after the institution's Grand General, also took part in the ceremony.
The Glorious Junín Hussars Cavalry Regiment and the Marshal Domingo Nieto Cavalry Regiment were also present, the latter being responsible for escorting Peru's Head of State.
During the ceremony, the Holy Father saluted Peru's War Flag.
As he walked along the red carpet, the bells of the Basilica Cathedral of Lima rang 21 times in honor of His Holiness.
Subsequently, the Head of State and the Pope ascended the Government Palace's central staircase.
The national anthems of the Holy See and Peru were performed by the National Children's Choir of Peru.
Agenda
After the national anthems were performed, the President and the Pope entered the Government Palace's Main Hall, where the delegations proceeded to exchange greetings.
The Head of State introduced His Holiness to the Peruvian delegation, and the Holy Father did the same with his own delegation.