Pope Leo XIV could return to Chiclayo — the diocese where he served as bishop — during an upcoming visit to Peru, expected to take place between November and the first week of December, a possibility that the president of the Peruvian Bishops' Conference described as "the most certain stop" on the highly anticipated itinerary.
"The main place he will visit after Lima is Chiclayo. That's definite, 100%," said Bishop Carlos García during a press conference presenting the results of the recent ad limina apostolorum visit of the Peruvian bishops to the Vatican, which took place Jan. 26–31.
Although he clarified that the papal visit is still in the planning stages and has a probability of approximately 80%, he emphasized the pontiff's strong desire to return to the country. "How much he would like to be in Peru already! Because he loves Peru. He's eager. His face lit up when we talked to him about it," García recounted.
García, the president of the country's bishops' conference, explained that the possible visit is scheduled for "between November and the first week of December," although he emphasized that the final decision depends on the Holy See organizing it and diplomatic aspects inherent to a state visit.
"It's a whole structure that's set in motion... it has to go through a dicastery that prepares the visit... now it's up to those in charge to process and organize it," he said.
In this regard, García announced that the Church in Peru will begin logistical preparations in March. "Starting in March, we must have the organizing committee for the event established," he indicated, noting that the work will begin even while awaiting official confirmation.
Chiclayo, a special place
The eventual return of Pope Leo XIV to Chiclayo would have strong symbolic value, since he served as bishop there before being elected pope.
When asked by the media about other possible cities, García indicated that the rest of the itinerary would depend on the time available and logistical factors. "The other locations will depend on how many days he has available to visit us... it could be the [Amazon region]... Cusco... but it doesn't depend entirely on the Holy Father but rather on the time and geographical possibilities," he explained.
However, the bishop reiterated that Chiclayo stands out as a priority destination. "The most definite place I can tell you right now is Chiclayo," he affirmed.
'Peru is in the pope's heart'
During the ad limina visit, the bishops held various meetings with the pontiff, including an official meeting and times for fellowship, such as a lunch where — according to the prelate — they talked about shared memories and experiences in the country.
"He arrived in an atmosphere of such fraternity that we felt like we were in Peru while being in Rome, and the pope felt like he was in Peru while being in Rome," he recounted.
García underscored the pope's deep spiritual connection with the country. "Peru is in the pope's heart." He added that Leo XIV keeps an image of the Lord of Miracles with him, which he uses during his daily prayers before Mass.
A visit marked by hope
The head of the Peruvian Bishops' Conference noted that the pope's desire to return to Peru stems from his closeness to the people and his interest in strengthening faith and hope amid the current social and political challenges.
"He wants to come to Peru because he loves Peru... there is a sense of gratitude towards Peru... and also a desire to strengthen us in hope and renew the love he has always shown us," he said.
Meanwhile, the bishops returned from Rome, as he stated, "with hearts full of gratitude, renewed in faith and strengthened in our pastoral mission," after a visit he described as "a true time of grace, blessing, and discernment."
Finally, he invited the entire country to prepare spiritually for the possible papal visit. "We are not going to prepare for this or that specific location; we are going to prepare for a visit to Peru," he explained.
This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
