- Pope Leo XIV returns to Chiclayo for a South American tour, greeted with murals, hats, bobbleheads, and signs reading 'Welcome home.'
- In his first words as pope, Leo gave a special shoutout in Spanish to his 'beloved Diocese of Chiclayo' from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
- As bishop, Leo was remembered for life-saving actions during the COVID-19 pandemic, wading through mud after rains, and celebrating Mass at the local prison.
- Residents say 'The pope is Chiclayano!' and consider his return the most important moment in the city's history since its founding in the 16th century.
- Leo's time in Chiclayo included waking before dawn to pray, listening to confession, and being moved by stories of adversity in a city where 20% of residents live in poverty.
- Leo helped deliver donations after 2017 floods, welcomed Venezuelan migrants, and oversaw construction of a temporary shelter and 13 homes.
- Prisoners at Chiclayo penitentiary carved a papal staff for Leo, who visited them to celebrate Mass; the chaplain said, 'Chiclayo is in his heart.'
Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, returns to his beloved Chiclayo, Peru, a city that claims him as its own. His tenure as bishop from 2015 to 2023 left a lasting impact, with locals celebrating his return through murals and heartfelt signs.13
During his time in Chiclayo, Leo was known for his compassion and dedication. He led the life-saving purchase of oxygen production plants during the COVID-19 pandemic and provided aid to those affected by natural disasters. “People aren’t saying: ‘The pope is Peruvian.’ They’re saying, ‘The pope is Chiclayano!’” said Rev. Jasson Sempertegui, highlighting the city's pride in their former bishop.
Leo's connection to the community is profound; he often woke before dawn to pray and walked to the cathedral, listening to confessions and offering support to the impoverished. “In Chiclayo we like to say: ‘The pope is returning home,’” Sempertegui added, emphasizing the significance of this visit.
The pope's influence extended beyond spiritual guidance. He welcomed Venezuelan migrants and oversaw the construction of shelters for those in need. As a testament to his impact, prisoners at the Chiclayo penitentiary crafted a papal staff as a gift for his visit, expressing their joy and connection to him. “There’s so much joy over his visit,” said Rev. Elmer Uchofen, the prison chaplain.8
This visit marks a historic moment for Chiclayo, a city settled in the 16th century, as it celebrates its most notable figure.
“In his first words as pope, Leo gave a Spanish shoutout to his 'beloved Diocese of Chiclayo' from St. Peter's Basilica. Residents say 'The pope is Chiclayano!' and consider his return the most important moment in the city's history since its 16th-century founding.”
