Pope Leo XIV is celebrated in Chiclayo, Peru, where his image is ubiquitous
CHICLAYO, Peru -- CHICLAYO, Peru (AP) — Pope Leo XIV seems omnipresent in Chiclayo. His image is painted in colorful murals, emblazoned on baseball hats and bobbleheads, and celebrated with signs across this city in northern Peru that read: “Welcome home.”
Lima is the culinary epicenter of South America. Cusco is the historic capital of the Inca empire and the gateway to Machu Picchu. But Chiclayo has a special claim as home to the Peruvian American pope, who returns there on Friday.
The first U.S.-born pontiff, Leo spent about two decades in Peru as a missionary and church leader, obtaining Peruvian citizenship shortly before he served as bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023. He remains beloved here for championing social justice issues and for his closeness to the people, especially the poor.
Many remember how the bishop — then known as Robert Prevost — led the life-saving purchase of oxygen production plants during the COVID-19 pandemic; how he waded through mud after torrential rains to bring help to the needy; how he celebrated Mass at the local prison.
