More than 10,000 faithful gathered in the atrium of the Chiclayo Cathedral, Peru, on 10 May 2025, to celebrate a Thanksgiving Mass for the election of Pope Leo XIV. The Mass was presided over by Bishop Edinson Farfán, along with dozens of priests, in a jubilant atmosphere filled with cheers and songs. The crowd chanted “León, my friend, Chiclayo is with you!” and “The Pope is from Chiclayo!” as they celebrated the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost Martínez, who served as bishop of the Diocese of Chiclayo from 2014 to 2023.
During the homily, Bishop Farfán emphasized Pope Leo XIV’s profound love for Peru, where he first visited in 1985. The bishop recalled the Pope’s deep spiritual connection with the expressions of faith of the Peruvian people, including his devotion to the Captive Lord of Ayabaca and the Lord of Miracles. Bishop Farfán described Pope Leo XIV as “a shepherd with the smell of sheep,” deeply human, sensitive to the suffering of the most vulnerable, and close to the needs of the people.
The bishop highlighted Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to social justice and his love for the poor. He recalled the Pope’s crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he was pastor of the Diocese of Chiclayo, and how he “made signs of the Kingdom of God with his life… he fed the hungry, healed the sick, welcomed everyone.” Bishop Farfán encouraged the faithful to imitate these “signs of the Kingdom of God” and live with the same sentiments as Christ: closeness, mercy, justice, and communion.
The Eucharistic celebration concluded with cheers and applause, with a message of hope and prayer for the pontificate of the new Successor of Peter. Bishop Farfán asked the faithful to pray for Pope Leo XIV, saying, “May the Holy Spirit accompany and strengthen him, and may Mary, the Mother of Good Counsel… protect and inspire him always.” After Mass, the celebration continued with fireworks, typical folk dances, and Catholic songs, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.