Pope Leo XIV recently celebrated Mass in Pimentel, a city near Chiclayo in northern Peru, as part of his tour of Latin America. The ceremony, held at a park, drew an estimated 1.5 million people. The Pope expressed gratitude to his followers for their affection, support, and prayers, particularly during his recent health challenges. He had undergone surgery for lung cancer just weeks prior to the event.
The crowd had been eagerly awaiting the Pope's arrival, with some arriving 12 hours in advance to secure a spot. Isa Orderique, a devotee, shared that she spent the night praying with her family, excited to welcome the Pope. Merli Cruz Guerrero, who traveled from near the Ecuadorean border, also spent the entire night waiting for the Mass to begin. The event was particularly emotional for the crowd, who had been waiting for hours in the heat.
The Pope's connection to Chiclayo runs deep, as he served as the city's bishop from 2015 to 2023. Lisbeth Díaz, a teacher who worked with the Pope during his tenure, expressed her joy at his return. She recalled his compassion and dedication to the community, particularly his work with poor and migrant populations. The Pope's time in Peru has been significant, as he not only lived in the country for extended periods but also became a citizen in 2015.
The Pope's visit has brought attention to his past work in the region, including his efforts to help launch soup kitchens during the Covid-19 pandemic and his response to floods in the area. A small museum dedicated to him at the bishop's residence showcases images of his time in Chiclayo. Local residents have fond memories of his time in the city, including his love of Peruvian delicacies and tennis.
The Pope's return to Chiclayo has been met with enthusiasm, with local businesses capitalizing on his popularity to boost sales. Hotels have increased their nightly room rates, but this hasn't deterred devotees from attending the Mass. The event was a testament to the Pope's enduring connection with the community, who affectionately refer to him as the "Peruvian Pope."
The Pope's handling of the Sodalitium of Christian Life controversy, a Peruvian Catholic organization that faced allegations of sexual abuse, has been seen as a pivotal moment in his career. Santiago Roncagliolo, a Peruvian writer and journalist, believes that his handling of the crisis earned him the favor of his predecessor, Pope Francis, and helped set him on the path to the papacy.
The Pope's visit has also highlighted his commitment to unity, a theme that has been evident in his work in Chiclayo. Father Samuel David Miranda Atoche, a local parish priest who was ordained by the Pope, stressed the importance of unity in his work. The Pope's message of unity and compassion resonated with the crowd, who eagerly awaited his arrival.
Key points
- The Pope drew a crowd of over 1.5 million people to the Mass in Pimentel, Peru.
- The Pope served as bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023 and became a Peruvian citizen in 2015.
- The Pope's visit has been seen as a significant moment for the community, who affectionately refer to him as the "Peruvian Pope."
