Pope’s visit to hub of Afro-Peruvian community casts spotlight on African slave trade to Peru

ZAÑA, Peru — During Pope Leo's arrival in Peru, Latin Grammy-winning Afro-Peruvian singer Susana Baca performed for him, showcasing the cultural impact of the African slave trade in the country. Baca is recognized as Peru's first Black Cabinet minister, having played a crucial role in the fight against discrimination faced by Black Peruvians and Indigenous peoples.

Pope Leo XIV, whose family lineage includes both enslaved individuals and slave owners, is set to emphasize the importance of Afro-Peruvian culture during his visit to Zaña, a city known for its Afro-Peruvian heritage. In 2017, UNESCO designated Zaña as a site of memory for slavery and African cultural heritage, marking it as the first such recognition in Peru.

The African slaves brought to Peru after the Spanish conquistadors' arrival worked in sugar plantations and silver mines, with some becoming urban artisans. At their peak, they and their descendants comprised more than 40% of Lima's population. Today, Afro-Peruvians make up a small fraction of the country's 35 million inhabitants.

Following the visit, Afro-Peruvian singer Susana Baca chose to perform "Song of Faith" and "If Everything Were Taken From Me," reflecting the theme of forgiveness and acceptance that Pope Leo XIV advocated for. Both the Pope and Baca underscore the importance of acknowledging and learning from historical injustices, emphasizing the resilience and pride of Afro-Peruvian culture.