Pope Leo XIV arrived in Lima to begin a historic visit to Peru, the final leg of his 12-day South American tour after stops in Uruguay and Argentina. He was greeted at the airport by President Keiko Fujimori and blessed children with disabilities and babies gathered on the tarmac. Vatican figures estimate that around three million people lined the motorcade route into the capital, waving Peruvian and Vatican flags.

At the Government Palace, the pope paid tribute to the Peruvian flag and joined Fujimori and a children's choir in singing the national anthem, before meeting the president privately. He then addressed officials and guests at the National Theatre. Speaking of the country, he declared, "I am also returning to my homeland," and said that Peru had shaped his understanding of pastoral service.S1S2

The Chicago-born pontiff, formerly known as Robert Prevost, spent more than two decades serving communities in Peru and became bishop of Chiclayo before his election as pope. He acquired Peruvian citizenship in 2015, and sources note he holds dual citizenship in the United States and Peru, making him the first pope to originate from either nation. Many Peruvians affectionately know him as "Padre Roberto".S1S2

The visit comes as Peru faces financial disparity, violent crime, governmental turbulence and the threat of climate anomalies linked to El Niño. The country, with a population of roughly 34 million, recorded a monetary poverty rate of 25.7 per cent in 2025. Leo is also expected to visit the Amazon region, the Andean city of Cusco and Chiclayo during his stay.S1S2