"It is like a very great dream that the Lord has allowed a servant of His to come all the way here, also during this pastoral visit to the Diocese of Chiclayo and all of Peru. I am very happy to meet all of you, the people of Santa Cruz and those who have come from farther away," Pope Leo XIV stated on Saturday before the faithful gathered at the Immaculate Conception Parish following his arrival in Santa Cruz district, Cajamarca region.
Before the faithful awaiting him at the parish church, including elderly people with disabilities, the Vicar of Christ addressed them with warm words.
The Holy Father expressed his happiness at returning to this town, located more than 2,000 meters above sea level in the northern Peruvian Andes.
"Brothers and sisters, what joy it is to meet with you once again here in Santa Cruz. It is like a very great dream that the Lord has allowed a servant of His to come all the way here, also during this pastoral visit to the Diocese of Chiclayo and all of Peru," His Holiness stated.
“I am very happy to meet all of you, the people of Santa Cruz and those who have come from farther away,” were the first words spoken by the Supreme Pontiff to the faithful.
"The Lord calls all of us through Baptism to be His missionary disciples, from the youngest to the oldest. People who suffer from illness and for other reasons also give us a beautiful testimony of their faith and fidelity through their prayers," the Bishop of Rome said.
"You are also part of the Church. We want to be close to you, and we invite you to pray for others, for a servant of the Lord, and for all those who need God's help, so that we may always remain united and walk together as the people of God, children of God, children of the same Father," Leo XIV continued.
"Congratulations to everyone. I give you my blessing and will greet a few of you because, as you know, we will have the celebration of Holy Mass afterward. The Lord be with you. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Now and forever," the Pope pointed out
"Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. May the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit descend upon all of you. Amen," St. Peter's 267th successor concluded.
The Holy Father arrived in Santa Cruz aboard a Peruvian Air Force (FAP) helicopter from Chiclayo.
The Pope first visited the Immaculate Conception Parish, where he was welcomed by parish priest Wildor Cubas Julca.
His Holiness then bowed before the cross guarding the Blessed Sacrament and the Christ of the Side's image housed in the Catholic church.
He also addressed a group of faithful gathered inside the temple and approached several elderly worshippers with physical disabilities who were waiting for him there, shaking their hands in greeting.
(END) LZD/MVB