Record crowd greets Pope Leo as he calls Peru his homeland in emotional visit
LIMA: Pope Leo was greeted by the largest crowd of his papacy in an emotional return to Peru on Wednesday, declaring the South American country where he served as a missionary for two decades his homeland.
In a landmark visit, Pope Leo returned to his native Peru, where he once served as a missionary, drawing the largest crowd of his papacy. Local officials estimate the crowd to be around 3 million, who lined the streets in Lima, waving flags and chanting his name. The Pope toured the country in an open-air popemobile, waving energetically as he pledged to help build confidence among the people after President Keiko Fujimori's narrow election victory.
The Pope urged the president to address the wounds of Peru's turbulent past, referencing her father's contested legacy. Peru has prepared for the Pope's homecoming with fervor, including a 14-meter statue of the Pope and pope-themed merchandise.
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Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Pope Leo returns to national party in his second homeland of Peru koreatimes.co.kr
