Pope Leo celebrates Mass in his former diocese of Chiclayo, Peru

Pope Leo XIV celebrated an outdoor Mass in Chiclayo, Peru, the city where he served as bishop for eight years before being called to Rome and later elected pope. The gathering was the centrepiece of his South American tour and a personal return to a country where he spent about 20 years as a missionary.

The Vatican estimated that around 1.5 million people attended in scorching 31°C heat; an estimated 3.5 million had gathered in Lima earlier in the week. Across stops in Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, about 12 million people have turned out. Leo thanked the crowd for its affection and prayers, including support during his recent health difficulties, and is due to visit a university where he once served as chancellor.