Pope Leo XIV Returns to Chiclayo for Emotional Mass

Pope Leo XIV Returns to Chiclayo

Pope Leo XIV returned to Chiclayo, Peru, on Friday, visiting the diocese where he served as bishop from 2015 to 2023. The visit is part of his 12-day apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, which runs from November 6 to 17.

Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, holds Peruvian citizenship and spent about 20 years in Peru as a missionary, priest, and bishop. He referred to Peru as his homeland and paid tribute to his “beloved Diocese of Chiclayo” from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in his first speech as pope.

The Mass at Pampas de Pimentel

The pope celebrated an outdoor Mass at Pampas de Pimentel, a vast desert plain near Chiclayo. The Vatican estimates that roughly 1.5 million faithful attended the Mass, braving scorching sun and heat of 31 degrees Celsius (87 degrees Fahrenheit).

In his homily, Leo said: “What a joy it is to return to Chiclayo! It is a blessing for me to be with you once again.” He also said: “Thank you for your affection, support and prayers, especially for my health during this time of trial which, with God’s help, I am overcoming.”

The remarks came exactly one month after his lung cancer surgery, in which the lower lobe of his right lung was removed.

Local Reception and Schedule

Bishop Edinson Edgardo Farfán Córdova, the current bishop of Chiclayo, said the pope’s presence holds a “special meaning” for the people of his former diocese. The bishop’s speech was interrupted by enthusiastic chants from the crowd, “El Papa es Chiclayano!” which means, “The pope is Chiclayan!”

After the Mass, Leo was scheduled to make a private visit to the Chapel of St. Óscar Romero. In the afternoon, he visited the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace to meet with priests, religious sisters, seminarians, and lay parish leaders. He also delivered a speech at the Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo Catholic University.

Why it matters

The return to Chiclayo is the emotional highlight of Pope Leo XIV’s South American tour. It marks his first visit to the diocese he once led since becoming pope, and it comes as he continues his recovery from lung cancer surgery performed one month earlier.

Sources

• nbcnews.com: Pope Leo makes emotional return to his ‘beloved diocese of Chiclayo’
• osvnews.com: Pope Leo XIV’s Mass in Chiclayo an emotional reunion with his ‘beloved’ diocese - OSV News
• aol.com: Pope Leo makes emotional return to his ‘beloved diocese of Chiclayo’ - AOL
• en.tempo.co: Pope Leo Celebrates Mass in His Former Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru - World En.tempo.co
• kuwaittimes.com: Pope in emotional return to ‘beloved’ Chiclayo | Kuwait Times Newspaper
• timesofmalta.com: Pope in emotional return to 'beloved' Chiclayo

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