The Holy Father led the Chiclayo Diocese from 2015–2023.
Pope Leo XIV returned to Chiclayo, Peru, on Nov. 13, visiting the South American diocese he led for nearly a decade and celebrating Mass there as pope for the first time.
The Holy Father led the Chiclayo Diocese from 2015 to 2023 before then-Pope Francis appointed him as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. The pope has referred to Peru as his "homeland"; prior to leading the Diocese of Chiclayo he served as a missionary there for years.
Here are photos of Pope Leo in Chiclayo on Nov. 13:
Peruvian dancers perform for Pope Leo XIV upon his arrival in Chiclayo, Peru, Nov. 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican MediaPeruvian dancers perform for Pope Leo XIV upon his arrival in Chiclayo, Peru, Nov. 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican MediaPope Leo XIV greets Catholics upon his arrival in Chiclayo, Peru, Nov. 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican MediaPope Leo XIV waves to crowds while arriving for Mass near Chiclayo, Peru, Nov. 13, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN NewsPope Leo XIV waves while processing into Mass near Chiclayo, Peru, Nov. 13, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN NewsPope Leo XIV processes into Mass near Chiclayo, Peru, Nov. 13, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN NewsPope Leo XIV prays during Mass near Chiclayo, Peru, Nov. 13, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN NewsA woman smiles while attending Pope Leo XIV's papal Mass near Chiclayo, Peru, Nov. 13, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN NewsPope Leo XIV celebrates Mass near Chiclayo, Peru, Nov. 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican MediaPope Leo XIV visits a chapel dedicated to St. Óscar Romero in Chiclayo, Peru, Nov. 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican MediaPope Leo XIV visits a chapel dedicated to St. Óscar Romero in Chiclayo, Peru, Nov. 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican MediaPope Leo XIV speaks to bishops, priests, religious men and women, seminarians, synodal teams, and pastoral councils at the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace in Chiclayo, Peru, Nov. 13, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN NewsCrowds gather as Pope Leo XIV speaks to bishops, priests, religious men and women, seminarians, synodal teams, and pastoral councils at the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace in Chiclayo, Peru, Nov. 13, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN NewsPope Leo XIV smiles during a visit to St. Turibius of Mogrovejo Catholic University in Chiclayo, Peru, Nov. 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican MediaPope Leo XIV listens during a visit to St. Turibius of Mogrovejo Catholic University in Chiclayo, Peru, Nov. 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media
"What a joy it is to return to Chiclayo!" The pope spent Friday in his former diocese with a Mass for 500,000, a rose for Our Lady and a talk to students, before ending the day with priests.
Back at the Chiclayo university he once oversaw as grand chancellor, the pope warned against transhumanism and urged students to seek the light of faith.
