Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Peru, returning to the country where he spent a large portion of his life as a priest and bishop, after being farewelled by millions in Argentina.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Holy Father touched down at Callao Air Base, where he was welcomed by President Keiko Fujimori and Foreign Minister Carlos Espá.
Earlier in the day, Pope Leo XIV had left Buenos Aires, where he had drawn the largest crowds of his pontificate.
On Monday, the Holy Father had celebrated with 2.5 million in the heart of Buenos Aires. On Wednesday, more than 2 million people gathered at the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján as he celebrated the closing Mass of his visit to Argentina.
In his homily, he gave a rousing message of hope, telling people to rise up and proclaim the Gospel, particularly as the country faces immense economic struggles.
“Go and proclaim, because ‘we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard’,” he said.
“Go and evangelise; proclaim the joy of the Gospel through words and good deeds. Argentina, rise up and walk! As Saint Augustine tells us: ‘Love and do whatever you please: if you are silent, be silent out of love; if you cry out, do so out of love; if you correct, correct out of love; if you forgive, forgive out of love. May the root of charity dwell within you; from that root, nothing but good can spring forth’.
“We know that there are many difficulties, but the Lord also inspires heroic acts of charity in our people. These include the father who rises early every day to bring bread home, the mother who stays by her sick child’s side during long nights in the hospital and the good friend who shares his time with those in need.”
He later thanked all those who had made the journey possible and all those who had welcomed him to the country.
“Thank you for welcoming me so warmly; I have indeed felt at home,” he said.
“May God bless this land of Mary Immaculate, whose sky-blue and white mantle is reflected in the colours of its flag. May the peoples of the north, with their hills and valleys; of the south, with their imposing glaciers; of the east, with their rivers and jungles; and of the west, with their majestic mountain ranges, give glory to the Lord for so many gifts received. In his name, may you all go forth and proclaim the Gospel with joy and gratitude.”
Pope Leo XIV will remain in Peru over the next few days, before flying back to Rome on Monday afternoon.
