The Archdiocese of Cusco confirmed that the installation of metal structures has begun at the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park's esplanade and the Main Square ahead of the upcoming pastoral visit and address to the faithful by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in the city of Cusco, southeastern Peru.
Monsignor Israel Condorhuamán, administrator of the Cathedral Basilica and spokesperson for the Archdiocese, stated that work began this week on the installation of the main stage at the Inca site.
Work at the Cathedral atrium is scheduled to begin next Monday.
"They are solid metal structures that are assembled in advance and are, frankly, quite heavy to provide the structural stability required," he said.
Condorhuamán added that the Holy Father will be accompanied by his secretary, a liturgical official "who will hand him the prayer," and four additional people.
The installation site at Sacsayhuaman is not entirely flat, as it has "a slight rise," which will require some site preparation.
The structure will be installed two and a half meters above ground level, with the stage then being erected on top of it, he explained.
The metal platform will also house the image of Virgen Reina de Belén Patrona Jurado del Cusco (Our Lady Queen of Bethlehem, Sworn Patroness of Cusco) for the presentation of the Papal Golden Rose by the Supreme Pontiff before an expected gathering of more than 80,000 faithful.
The organization is being handled by the Parish of Bethlehem.
Meanwhile, an 80-centimeter-high platform will be set up in the Cathedral Basilica's atrium for Pope Leo XIV.
He will be accompanied by the sacred image of Señor de Los Temblores, Patrón Jurado del Cusco (the Lord of the Earthquakes, Sworn Patron of Cusco) to whom the Holy Father will present a shroud made at the Vatican bearing the papal coat of arms.
The Supreme Pontiff will also pray the Angelus.
The arrangements are being coordinated with La Confraternidad del Señor de Los Temblores (The Brotherhood of the Lord of Earthquakes).
The Taytacha of the Earthquakes will be accompanied by the image of the Virgen de la Inmaculada Concepción (Virgin of the Immaculate Conception), known as "La Linda de la Catedral" (The Cathedral's Beauty).
"As the liturgical experts in Rome have suggested, whenever an honor is conferred upon the sacred image of Jesus, his mother must be by his side," he underscored.
On either side of the covered stages, which will be protected from direct sunlight and rainfall, two ground-level areas will be set up for the clergy.
The Popemobile
Monsignor Condorhuamán also confirmed that two Popemobiles have already arrived in Peru and will be transported to the venues in Lima, Pucallpa, Chiclayo, and Cusco.
The vehicle assigned to Cusco is equipped with a rain cover and safety features.
"It will be flown in so that the Pope can travel back and forth between Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport and Sacsayhuamán," the priest concluded.
(END) PHS/MAO/MVB