announced on Wednesday while presenting the outcomes of the Peruvian bishops' recent visit to the Vatican.
"He (the Pope) told us that it will most likely be in November, at the latest during the first week of December," the monsignor specified.
The CEP chairman said the Supreme Pontiff spontaneously expressed his desire to visit our country.
"He told us, 'How much I would love to be in Peru, because I love Peru.' He said it with a smile; it showed on his face," Garcia Camader recounted.
Likewise, the CEP chairman noted that the papal visit is about 80% certain, clarifying that a diplomatic and organizational process still needs to be completed.
"There is an entire structure set in motion for the Pope to visit a country. The countries the Pope plans to visit must respond, because he is a head of State. As head of the Vatican City State, he cannot enter unless the President issues an invitation."
In that regard, he reported that the official invitation has already been extended by Peruvian authorities and by the CEP.
"The previous President invited him, but she is no longer in office. Now the invitation has already been made by the current Presidency and by the Peruvian Episcopal Conference," the CEP chairman noted.
"What remains is for those in charge to process and organize it, but from the heart, he truly wishes to come to Peru," he added.
Moreover, the monsignor said the decision could be influenced by the 300th anniversary marking the canonization of Saint Toribio de Mogrovejo, patron saint of the Latin American episcopate.
"Perhaps he decided to come this year because it also marks the 300th anniversary of the canonization of Saint Toribio de Mogrovejo — that may be the case. What matters is that he wants to come to Peru because he feels a sense of gratitude toward the country," he remarked.
Asked by Andina News Agency about how long the Supreme Pontiff will stay in Peru, the CEP chairman said it will be between five and six days.
He also announced that the organizing commission for the papal visit to the country will be formed in March.
Garcia Camader commented that although it is still not known which cities Leo XIV would visit, "Chiclayo is always in his heart."