Pope Leo XIV on Friday presented the Golden Rose to the image of Nuestra Señora de la Paz (Our Lady of Peace) during his meeting with Catholic Church representatives at the shrine dedicated to this Marian devotion in the city of Chiclayo, Lambayeque region, as part of his apostolic visit to Peru.
This gesture marks one of the most significant moments of his return to the city where he served as bishop from 2015 to 2023, before being elected as the successor of Saint Peter.
The distinction expresses special veneration of the Virgin Mary and represents recognition of the Catholic community's devotion in Chiclayo.
The Supreme Pontiff's return to the Lambayeque region was marked by numerous expressions of affection.
Upon his arrival at Lieutenant Colonel Pedro Ruiz Gallo Air Base, he was welcomed by civil and religious authorities, as well as children who approached him to present him with flowers.
The Holy Father returned the gesture with a smile and an embrace.
During his journey through the streets of Chiclayo, Leo XIV greeted the faithful who had gathered to await his arrival.
Children and older adults had the opportunity to approach the pontiff and kiss his hands and cheek, while he reciprocated their expressions of affection and imparted his blessing.
The welcome was accompanied by Peruvian, Vatican, and other countries' flags, which attendees waved as a show of affection and joy at the pontiff's return to this city in northern Peru.
Among the expressions of affection heard along his route, one that also stood out was the faithful's chant: "Pope Leo, we love you so much!"
It was a spontaneous expression of the affection felt by the people of Chiclayo for the man who once served as their bishop and has now returned to the city as pontiff.
One of the most moving moments took place with the Carmelite sisters, who, visibly smiling and with tears of emotion at seeing the Holy Father again, welcomed him with expressions of affection, exclaiming: "Long live the Holy Father!"
Leo XIV reciprocated their expressions of affection with a greeting and his blessing, during a reunion that reflected the joy of Chiclayo's religious community at being close to him once again.
Even security personnel kept a certain distance while His Holiness greeted the faithful, in a scene that highlighted Leo XIV's closeness to the local community.
The Holy Father was among his own people, surrounded by those who fondly remember him from his years of pastoral service in this city.
The anticipation for his return spread throughout the city.
According to information released by the Holy See, around one million people gathered along the streets of Chiclayo to welcome him.
Meanwhile, some 500,000 faithful attended the large-scale Mass he presided over at the Pampas de Pimentel.
During the Eucharistic celebration, Leo XIV expressed his joy at returning to Chiclayo.
The Catholic Church's leader also thanked the people for their expressions of affection, support, and prayers.
Moreover, His Holiness said he remembered them with special fondness because of the years they shared during his pastoral ministry.
The day's activities continued with a meeting of Catholic Church representatives at the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace, where the pontiff presented the Golden Rose to the Marian image as a tribute to the faith and devotion of Chiclayo's people.