Thousands of Cusco residents are lining up to enter the esplanade of the Sacsayhuamán archaeological park and Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. Meanwhile, many others have positioned themselves along the "Pope’s route"—stretching from the Teniente Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport to Sacsayhuamán—to welcome the Supreme Pontiff, Leo XIV.
The faithful have been awaiting the Holy Father’s arrival since last night; many families and young people spent the night near these public spaces to be as close as possible to his path. Some brought tents, while others brought chairs to wait more comfortably, even though a light drizzle threatened to persist.
In Puqro, the access point to Sacsayhuamán, a line stretching for over a kilometer formed. The faithful made their way up to the plateau via Avenida Circunvalación, reaching the vicinity of the giant "White Christ" statue—an iconic viewpoint overlooking the historic center of what is known as the "Archaeological Capital of the Americas."
Meanwhile, on Calle del Medio, at the corner of Plaza Regocijo, a large crowd has gathered, forming a long queue to enter the main square. At one point, the line broke, but fortunately, calm was restored, and access is now proceeding as normal.
Order and security are being maintained through the deployment of more than 4,500 police officers and nearly 5,000 volunteers—known as "Friends of Leo"—who can be identified by their yellow shirts and blue backpacks. Tents have been set up at intersections along the route to provide medical care in the event of any health emergencies.
The faithful—including tourists from other regions of Peru and various countries—are carrying small white and yellow flags. Others have purchased white T-shirts featuring an image of the Pope, which vendors began selling early in the day.
Some worshippers have also brought rosaries and small potted plants bearing the image of the Holy Father, hoping to have them blessed when the Vicar of Christ passes by.
In the San Francisco and Regocijo squares, four large screens have been installed so that those unable to reach the areas where the Supreme Pontiff will be present can clearly see and hear his message. Vehicular traffic has been restricted on the streets surrounding these locations, and cargo vehicles are currently barred from entering Cusco.
While crowds wait at the sites designated for the visit of the leader of the universal Catholic Church, the Archbishopric of Cusco is leading the recitation of the Holy Rosary. At present, the city of Cusco is experiencing pleasant weather with partly cloudy skies.
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Published: 11/15/2026