Pope Leo XIV arrived in Peru on Wednesday for the final leg of his South American tour, returning to the country where he spent more than two decades as a missionary and bishop. Thousands gathered to welcome him home as “Padre Robert”, with many hoping his visit will bring attention to poverty, crime and political instability.
Pope Leo XIV arrived in his second homeland of Peru on Wednesday, returning to the place that he credits with teaching him how to be a pastor and where a nationwide party awaits to welcome their beloved “Padre Robert” home.
The visit to Peru marks the final leg of Leo’s three-nation South America tour and its emotional highlight, given the more than two decades that the former Robert Prevost spent in Peru as a missionary priest and later bishop. As a dual citizen of the United States and Peru, he’s the first pope from each country.
Leo’s charter plane touched down at a Lima-area air base, where he was welcomed by President Keiko Fujimori.
Leo seemed genuinely moved as he emerged from his Aerolíneas Argentinas charter plane, smiling broadly as he greeted Fujimori and embracing two children who brought him flowers.
