During a meeting with the Bishops of Peru at the Archbishop’s Palace in Lima on Thursday, Pope Leo XIV called on the country’s prelates to be shepherds who unite firm doctrinal fidelity with genuine pastoral closeness. Marking his first full day in the nation, the pontiff encouraged the bishops to open their hearts to contemporary Peru, noting that they must listen closely to the questions of the modern era and illuminate them with the clarity of the Gospel. He emphasized that this mission involves accompanying families, defending human dignity, caring for creation, and actively supporting those suffering from poverty, corruption, violence, and exclusion.
A central theme of the Pope’s address was the necessity of a deep spiritual life to sustain episcopal ministry. Reminding the bishops that the Church belongs to Christ rather than to them, he stated that it is before the tabernacle and in the Eucharist that they regain the proper perspective on their roles. To illustrate this, he pointed to the diverse “school of holiness” formed by Peru’s own saints—including Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo, Saint Rose of Lima, Saint Francis Solano, and Saints Martin de Porres and Juan Macías. Their lives of prayer, missionary zeal, and humble service to the marginalized, he noted, prove that no one should be judged by social status or origin, and serve as an enduring model for Church unity.
Addressing the painful reality of abuse perpetrated by clergy or within Church settings, Pope Leo called for a response rooted in truth, justice, forgiveness, and restitution. He urged the bishops to maintain a resolute commitment to fostering a culture of prevention and safeguarding the most vulnerable. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of episcopal fraternity, reassuring the prelates that no bishop or local church should ever feel isolated, as mutual trust and unity among themselves are vital to overcoming social and political polarization.
Pope Leo concluded his remarks by encouraging the bishops to never stop walking alongside their people and one another as courageous, merciful spiritual fathers. Offering a final prayer to the Blessed Mother, he asked that all Peruvians—across the Andean highlands, the valleys, the Amazon, the coast, and the islands—might always find a welcoming and loving home within the Church.