Pope Leo XIV concluded the first day of his visit to Peru on a deeply personal note, stepping onto the balcony of the Apostolic Nunciature in Lima to greet a crowd of faithful gathered outside. Returning to the country where he previously served for years as an Augustinian missionary and later as the Bishop of Chiclayo, the pontiff expressed his joy at being back, telling the crowd, “I have returned home. Here I am at home.”
His arrival earlier in the day began with an official welcome at Callao Air Base, followed by a formal meeting with President Keiko Fujimori. The Pope also addressed civil authorities, diplomats, and representatives of civil society at Lima’s Grand National Theatre before returning to the Nunciature for the evening.
Speaking to the well-wishers after dinner, Pope Leo thanked them for their enthusiastic reception and asked for their prayers for peace. Adding a touch of humour, he remarked that while the celebrations could continue for a little while longer, they should not go on too late out of consideration for the neighbours. Before leading the assembly in the Our Father and imparting his blessing, he placed special emphasis on strengthening domestic bonds, urging everyone to pray for their families and actively look for ways to foster unity within them.
He closed the evening by bidding the crowd goodnight and promising to see them the following day. On Thursday, the Pope’s itinerary includes a meeting with Peru’s bishops and presiding over Midday Prayer at Lima’s cathedral, followed by a public gathering in the square outside to reflect on the challenges and hopes of the Peruvian people.