Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass near Chiclayo during Latin America tour
Pope Leo XIV, who underwent lung cancer surgery weeks earlier, led a Mass in Pimentel, near Chiclayo, drawing large crowds as part of his first Latin American trip since his election in May 2025.
Pope Leo XIV held a Mass on Friday in a park in Pimentel, about 10 km from Chiclayo in northern Peru, during his Latin America tour. The Vatican estimates that more than 1.5 million people gathered in the region to welcome the pontiff.
"Thank you for your affection, support and prayers," the Pope said, adding that he was recovering from recent lung cancer surgery with God's help.
Local residents reported arriving hours before the ceremony to pray and wait for the Pope's arrival. Isa Orderique said the crowd spent the night praying and was excited to welcome the Pope from Chiclayo. Merli Cruz Guerrero, who traveled several hours by bus from near the Ecuadorian border, also waited through the night.
Lisbeth Díaz, a teacher who worked with the Pope when he was bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023, said the city was celebrating his return. Samuel David Miranda Atoche, a parish priest ordained by the Pope during his time as bishop, described the visit as a return of the man who brought Peruvians closer to the Church.
The Pope, born Robert Prevost, lived in Peru for extended periods between 1985 and 2023 and became a Peruvian citizen in 2015. He is remembered for initiatives such as launching soup kitchens during the Covid-19 pandemic and assisting migrants, including Venezuelans fleeing crisis, by facilitating paperwork for legal residency and work permits.
The event attracted visitors from across Peru and neighboring countries, with estimates that the local population, normally about 800,000, doubled for the Mass. The Pope concluded his address with a prayer of thanksgiving for the support he has received.