On the eve of Pope Leo XIV’s official arrival in Peru, the Provincial Municipality of Callao inaugurated a monumental 14-meter statue dedicated to the Holy Father. Standing as the tallest statue honoring a pontiff in the country, the monument was unveiled in the newly established Niño Gaelito park. The park itself pays tribute to Jesús Gael Alejandro Rodríguez, a heroic four-year-old boy who tragically lost his life earlier this year while saving his sister from a house fire.
Crafted by sculptors Deyvi Wong Arana and Rafael Gutiérrez Quispe, the impressive artwork features a 12-meter figure mounted on a 2-meter pedestal. Constructed over a sturdy metal frame using polyurethane foam, fiberglass, and polyester resin, the structure features a smooth, marble-like finish. The project was funded by Caja Huancayo and unveiled during a ceremony led by Callao Mayor Cesar Pérez, along with local civic leaders and church authorities, reflecting the region’s deep gratitude and faith.
The monument holds special significance for Peruvians, as Pope Leo XIV previously served in the country as Bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023, as well as Apostolic Administrator of Callao between 2020 and 2021. As the Holy Father begins his official visit, he will be formally received by President Keiko Fujimori at the Government Palace before addressing state dignitaries and the diplomatic corps at the Gran Teatro Nacional.