Half a million welcome Pope Leo XIV back to beloved Chiclayo

CHICLAYO, Peru — Pope Leo XIV returned to his adopted hometown of Chiclayo on November 14, where half a million people braved desert heat to welcome him, according to wire service reports. This emotional return marked the emotional centerpiece of the pope’s South American tour, as he recovered from cancer. The 71-year-old pontiff, who served the Church in Chiclayo for nearly a decade, expressed his gratitude to the faithful for their support and prayers during his health struggle.

Temperatures in the city soared above 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit), prompting soldiers to distribute water and firefighters to assist pilgrims as they streamed in. Cesar Arroyo Serquen, 65, made the journey from his home, pushing a cart with an image of Jesus through the dust for four hours. He said, "Seeing the pope is a joy from God, a blessing for our people and above all for Chiclayo."

The city, where Leo served as Robert Francis Prevost from 2015 to 2023, is filled with reminders of his time there, including murals and street vendors selling keychains and T-shirts. Jorge Villegas, vicar general of the Diocese of Chiclayo, noted that Prevost "left a significant mark here, through his personal style, his character, and his actions."

The pope visited one of Chiclayo’s poorest neighborhoods, the San Oscar Romero chapel, which he helped rebuild. He also questioned the ultra-wealthy's pursuit of immortality while others suffer poverty during a speech at the Catholic university in the city.