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After emotional return, Pope Leo denounces ‘machismo’ in Peru and demands respect for women
Pope Leo XIV called for women in Peru to be valued, protected and respected, condemning machismo and violence against them. His appeal came during an emotionally charged homecoming and set out priorities for the Catholic Church in a country where gender-based violence remains a serious concern.
Leo cited the added disadvantages faced by poor, Indigenous and Afro-Peruvian women. Peru recorded 1,261 femicide victims between 2016 and 2024, with the number rising by 44% over that period. He also urged bishops to promote unity and to respond to clergy sexual abuse survivors with truth and justice.
In short
- Leo condemned machismo and violence against women in Peru.
- Peru recorded 1,261 femicide victims from 2016 to 2024.
- He urged bishops to support abuse survivors with truth and justice.
Explained simply
Peru is a largely Catholic country, and the Catholic Church has a prominent role in public life. Pope Leo XIV, the head of the worldwide Catholic Church, was born in the United States but spent much of his career as a priest and bishop in Peru.
Machismo refers to attitudes that give men power over women and can excuse discrimination or violence. Peru has recorded more than 1,200 killings of women by men, often called femicides, since 2016; poverty and discrimination can make life especially difficult for Indigenous and Afro-Peruvian women.
The Church in Peru also faces questions about how it has handled sexual abuse by clergy. Survivors and others have called for the Church to acknowledge abuse and pursue justice.