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The Peruvian city that has embraced Pope Leo as one of its own
Pope Leo XIV returned to the area around Chiclayo, where he served as bishop and built close ties with local communities, celebrating Mass near the city during his first Latin American tour. The gathering showed how strongly many Peruvians identify with him and why they regard him as one of their own.
The Vatican estimated that more than 1.5 million people attended the Mass in Pimentel, with some arriving 12 hours early and enduring temperatures above 30C. Leo lived in Peru for extended periods between 1985 and 2023, became a Peruvian citizen in 2015, and served as Chiclayo’s bishop from 2015 to 2023; locals recall his support for soup kitchens, flood-hit residents and Venezuelan migrants.
In short
- More than 1.5 million people welcomed Pope Leo near Chiclayo.
- The city celebrates his return as one of its own.
- Locals remember his work with poor and migrant communities.
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