The Holy Father made a poignant return to his adopted country where he lived for years prior to his papacy.
Pope Leo XIV spent his first full day in Peru on Nov. 12 meeting with Church leaders and Peruvian citizens, marking an emotional return to the country he called home for years prior to his papacy.
The Holy Father first began serving in Peru in 1985 as Father Robert Prevost. He would remain in the country for years in various roles, eventually being named as the bishop of Chiclayo in 2015.
Leo will spend several days in Peru, concluding his historic South American papal trip there before returning to Rome. He previously visited Uruguay and Argentina as part of the journey.
Here are photos of Pope Leo's activities in Peru:
Pope Leo XIV waves to the crowds gathered outside the archbishop's palace in Lima, Peru, before meeting with Peruvian bishops on Nov. 12, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News/PoolPope Leo XIV meets with Peruvian bishops on Nov. 12, 2026, at the archbishop's palace in Lima, Peru. | Credit: Vatican MediaPope Leo XIV meets with Peruvian bishops on Nov. 12, 2026, at the archbishop's palace in Lima, Peru. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News/PoolPope Leo XIV meets with Peruvian bishops on Nov. 12, 2026, at the archbishop's palace in Lima, Peru. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News/PoolPope Leo XIV delivers his homily during the midday prayer at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist in Lima, Peru, Nov. 12, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN NewsPope Leo XIV takes part in a midday prayer at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist in Lima, Peru, Nov. 12, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN NewsPope Leo XIV listens during a public meeting with leaders and citizens on the challenges and hopes of the Peruvian people in Lima, Peru, Nov. 12, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTNPope Leo XIV greets a woman during a public meeting with leaders and citizens on the challenges and hopes of the Peruvian people in Lima, Peru, Nov. 12, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTNPope Leo XIV arrives at National Stadium in Lima, Peru for a prayer vigil with youth on Nov. 12, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTNPope Leo XIV waves to Catholics at National Stadium in Lima, Peru during a prayer vigil with youth on Nov. 12, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTNPope Leo XIV grows emotional during a prayer vigil with youth at National Stadium in Lima, Peru on Nov. 12, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN
Pope Leo XIV on Thursday met with Peruvian bishops and faithful outside Lima's cathedral, then told some 60,000 young people at a stadium vigil: "You are the sign of hope!"
"Learning to recognize the Lord's voice is essential," the pope told some 60,000 young people at a Lima stadium vigil, pointing to Christ's Passion as the model.
Pope Leo XIV on Thursday met with Peruvian bishops and gathered with faithful in the square outside Lima's cathedral before heading to a prayer vigil with youth.
