Pope Leo returns to national party in his second homeland of Peru

Lima, Peru - Pope Leo XIV returned to his second home of Peru on Wednesday, arriving in the country that he believes imparted to him vital pastoral skills and where a nationwide celebration awaits to greet the beloved "Padre Robert" upon his return. This visit marks the concluding stage of Leo's three-nation tour of South America, serving as its most emotionally charged highlight due to the nearly two decades the former Robert Prevost spent in Peru as a missionary priest and bishop.

As a citizen of both the United States and Peru, Pope Leo holds the distinction of being the first Pope from each nation. His private jet landed at a Lima-area airbase, greeted by President Keiko Fujimori. Upon stepping out of the Aerolineas Argentinas charter plane, the Pope beamed broadly as he embraced Fujimori and held onto two children who presented him with flowers.

The Pope immediately engaged with the enthusiastic crowd on the tarmac, waving Vatican and Peruvian flags, and fondled a baby while listening to a children's choir. The joy over the Pope's return permeated throughout Peru. "My heart is so excited that it makes me ill," remarked one onlooker.