Pope Leo Draws About 3 Million in Lima, Calls Peru “My Homeland
Pope Leo XIV received the biggest crowd of his papacy in Lima, where local officials estimated about 3 million people turned out to welcome him
Pope Leo XIV received the biggest crowd of his papacy in Lima, where local officials estimated about 3 million people turned out to welcome him back to Peru. The pope, who spent two decades there as a missionary, called the country his homeland.
The welcome came on a Wednesday, at the start of the final leg of a 12-day, three-country trip. Crowds pressed against police and security barriers, waved balloons and flags, and chanted "Leo, Leo, Leo."
The pope rode through the city in an open-air popemobile. He was all smiles and waved energetically to the people lining the route.
A speech to the president
Shortly after arriving, the pope addressed Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori at Lima's Gran Teatro Nacional. He is the first Peruvian citizen to lead the Catholic Church, and the speech was closely watched.
He urged Fujimori to build confidence among her people after her narrow election victory earlier this year. He also alluded to the contested legacy of her father, the late former President Alberto Fujimori.
"This return visit holds a very special meaning for me," the pope said. He spoke of the many friendships he made during his 20 years in the country and of his love for the nation.
Why Peru is home
The pope's description of Peru as his homeland reflects his long service there as a missionary. One headline on the trip quoted him as saying, "I am returning to my homeland," and the visit has been described as deeply personal.
Peru is the last of the three countries on his journey, so the Lima reception closes out the tour.
"This return visit holds a very special meaning for me," Leo told the audience in Lima, recalling the friendships of his missionary years.
