Massive crowd gathers for mass with Pope Leo in Peruvian city where he served as bishop

A large crowd gathered near Chiclayo, Peru, for an outdoor Mass led by Pope Leo, part of his 12-day tour of South America. The city is significant to him because he served there as a bishop for eight years, and many residents still call him “Father” or “Friend”.

Officials estimated that up to one million people might attend the Mass, while crowds at the Pope’s public events during the tour had already reached an estimated 10 million. Some people camped overnight or travelled long distances to see him; Leo was scheduled to remain in the area until Sunday for eight events.