Wednesday, November 11, 2026 —the date of Pope Leo XIV's arrival in Peru— has been marked on the physical and digital calendars of millions of Catholics since the Vatican confirmed the Supreme Pontiff's visit to the country where he began his apostolic work more than 40 years ago.
His Holiness will arrive in the South American country after visiting Uruguay and Argentina.
A massive welcome from the faithful is expected at the new Jorge Chavez International Airport and its surroundings.
Large crowds are expected along the avenues he will travel on his way to his first meetings in the capital.
The Holy See has confirmed that the Bishop of Rome will visit the cities of Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco, and Pucallpa, but the schedule of activities has not yet been defined.
However, Peruvian authorities have confirmed that two events will be held as part of this trip, with the participation of Catholic faithful who will be able to pray with the Pope.
Foreign Affairs Minister Carlos Espa recently announced that His Holiness will take part in the 300th anniversary of the canonization of Saint Toribio de Mogrovejo, to whom he became devoted during his years of apostolic work in northern Peru.
The ceremony will take place in Zaña, Lambayeque region, but the date has not yet been confirmed.
"The entire country is awaiting the arrival of the Peruvian Pope. I am sure it will be something extraordinary. The religious high point will be his trip to Zaña (Lambayeque), where the 300th anniversary of Saint Toribio de Mogrovejo's canonization will be celebrated," the Cabinet member said days ago.
A massive Mass is also planned in Chiclayo, with possible venues still under consideration.
Following the establishment of the Extraordinary High-Level Commission for Pope Leo XIV's visit to Peru, Minister Espa confirmed that a Mass will be held at Las Palmas Air Base in Lima's Surco district on November 16.
It will be the second time that the Peruvian Air Force (FAP) facilities host a Supreme Pontiff, following the Mass celebrated by Pope Francis in 2018.
Another iconic Peruvian city that the Vicar of Christ will visit is Cusco, the navel of the world.
Last week, Culture Minister Alberto Beingolea inspected the Saqsaywaman Archaeological Park and assessed conditions there amid the possibility that it could be included in Pope Leo XIV's schedule of activities.
However, it has not yet been confirmed that this will be the venue for the Supreme Pontiff's activities in the Imperial City, as the possibility that they could be held at Inca Garcilaso de la Vega Stadium or Cusco's iconic Main Square has been mentioned as well.
As for Pucallpa, Ucayali Region Governor Manuel Gambini stated that the border city expects to welcome more than 100,000 faithful, including residents of Indigenous communities, as well as visitors from Brazil and Colombia, during the Pope's upcoming visit.
Gambini noted that several weeks ago the Vatican delegation had already conducted an initial assessment of the venues where the Supreme Pontiff's activities could take place.
The venues under consideration include Yarinacocha Boulevard, where a meeting with Indigenous peoples is expected; Pucallpa's Main Square, where His Holiness would carry out official activities; the city's Cathedral, Pucallpa Stadium, and Centenario Avenue.
The area known as La Videnita is also under consideration, with approximately six hectares available for a massive gathering and Mass celebration.
Venues under assessment
The Government declared Pope Leo XIV's apostolic visit to Peru —scheduled for November 11–17, 2026— a matter of national interest, as well as the preparatory and related activities, meetings, and events to be held during the second half of this year.
The declaration comes amid a new visit to Peru by the Vatican Commission responsible for coordinating apostolic trips.
This Tuesday, the delegation will inspect Las Palmas Air Base in Lima, the confirmed venue for the papal Mass, as well as Universitario de Deportes' Monumental Stadium, which could host another massive event.
"Today, we are with the delegation that has come from Rome. God willing, we will visit Las Palmas Air Base and then Universitario's Monumental Stadium," Father Juan Bytton, spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Lima, told Andina News Agency.
The sports venue could host a meeting with youth, Lima's civil society, or various groups.
The Holy See confirmed that Pope Leo XIV's itinerary will include Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco, and Pucallpa.
However, reports have emerged in recent hours about a possible extension of his schedule to the northern Andean Cajamarca region.
In this regard, Father Bytton said a possible visit to the town of Santa Cruz has not yet been confirmed.
However, the Vatican Commission, led by Mexican priest Jose Salas Castañeda in his capacity as coordinator of Apostolic Trips, will remain in Peru until the end of this week to inspect the four dioceses to be visited by the Supreme Pontiff.
Born in Chicago, United States, Pope Leo XIV will return to Peru, a country whose nationality he has held since 2015.
(END) RAI/RRC/MVB
Published: 8/25/2026