Leo XIV arrives in Peru, his “homeland”, defending international law and reconciliation

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Lima, Peru on Wednesday, marking the final leg of his South American journey. In his inaugural address in the country that he once called home and now calls his own, the pontiff called for diplomacy that "respects international law" and addressed the nation's history with "justice and sensitivity". President Keiko Fujimori, along with thousands of supporters, greeted the Pope as he arrived at the airport.

Upon meeting with the Pope at the Government Palace, the pontiff expressed his connection to Peru, stating, "Today I understand how much of this land remains with me and how much of my own history also belongs to you." He then spoke about the need for patient diplomacy in the face of ongoing wars and tensions that affect many people, emphasizing that "the wars and tensions afflicting so many peoples demand patient diplomacy that keeps dialogue open, respects international law and seeks agreements that protect the life and dignity of people."

The Pope also touched upon Peru's past, acknowledging the country's "difficult moments that have tested coexistence among its people." He urged the nation to deal with its historical events with "justice and sensitivity," encouraging harmony to grow. "Democracy means recognizing that no one can be treated as a problem, but as a person with dignity," he added.

President Fujimori, who spoke before the Pope, echoed similar sentiments, saying, "Peru needs to reconcile" and that "no country can live as a prisoner of its wounds." The Pope reflected on the late Alberto Fujimori's daughter, who was a Bishop of Chiclayo and later died in 2024. According to El País, her father's apology in 2017 was criticized as "generic".

On the eve of the Pope's visit, victims of state violence during the 1980s and 1990s armed conflict, as well as the 2022 and 2023 protests, sent a letter voicing their concerns about the Church's alleged role in preventing their stories from being heard.

Former President Dina Boluarte, whose administration saw those deaths, attended the Pope's speech. The Pope will remain in Peru until Monday, November 16, celebrating Mass in Pimentel, Chiclayo; visiting Cajamarca and Zaía; and concluding with a visit to Cusco and Pucallpa before returning to Rome.