Pope Leo’s trip is a homecoming to Peru – where debate over liberation theology roiled the church during his early years as a priest

Pope Leo XIV is making a pilgrimage to Latin America, visiting Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. This is his first visit to the region since becoming pope. As a historian of Catholicism in the late 20th century, it's interesting to note that Leo's itinerary navigates a challenging political landscape in Latin America. He plans to meet with right-wing presidents in Argentina and Peru, and to visit communities associated with the progressive wing of the Catholic Church, such as a neighborhood in Uruguay and a chapel in Chiclayo, Peru, where he served as a bishop.

Liberation theology, a controversial movement born in Peru, played a significant role in the church's politics during Pope Leo's early years as a priest. The movement, which emerged in the 1960s, argued that Christians have a moral duty to liberate the oppressed and saw poverty, violence, racism, and discrimination as collective sins. Inspired by liberation theology, Catholics created community organizations, work cooperatives, labor unions, and other initiatives aimed at measurably improving the lives of the poor.

Liberation theology combined earlier Catholic social teachings with Marxist ideas about society and the economy. This approach led to criticism from some politicians and church leaders who accused liberationists of socialism and communism. However, the Vatican initially supported local initiatives by liberationist Catholics, recognizing the potential for positive change.

The Vatican's stance evolved over time, particularly after Pope John Paul II became pope in 1978, reflecting a shift in the church's approach to liberation theology.