# Pope Leo XIV returns to second homeland Peru to a nationwide welcome

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/pope-leo-xiv-returns-to-second-homeland-peru-to-a-nationwide-welcome/
- Published: 2026-11-11T23:43:24+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-12T00:28:02+00:00
- Original publisher: France 24 (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20261111-pope-leo-xiv-returns-to-second-homeland-peru-to-a-nationwide-welcome
- Topics: Americas, World

## Key points

- Leo XIV returned to Peru, where he served for over two decades.
- Thousands welcomed him on the final leg of his South American tour.
- His speeches will address the hopes and challenges facing Peruvians.

## Summary

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Peru, where he spent more than two decades as a missionary priest and bishop, to a warm welcome from crowds and officials. The visit is the final stop on his three-country South American tour and has particular significance because Leo says Peru shaped his pastoral vocation; he is also the first pope born in the United States and Peru to hold both countries’ citizenship.

Thousands lined his motorcade route, while celebrations included a 14-metre statue, papal-themed coffee and murals. Leo is due to celebrate Mass in places where he served and speak about Peruvians’ hopes and challenges. The country has 34 million people, and 25.7% lived in monetary poverty in 2025; concerns include inequality, violent crime and the approaching El Niño climate pattern.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.