Pope Leo heads to high Andes on final leg of South America tour

Pope Leo XIV embarked on the final stretch of his South American tour in the Andes Mountains of Peru on Sunday. The 20-year-permanent-resident-of-Peru made his arrival in Cusco, the former Inca Empire capital, which lies at an elevation of 3,400 meters (11,000 feet). Cardinal Pedro Barreto stated that the pontiff is following in the footsteps of his predecessor Pope France, focusing on environmental protection and human rights. The next stop is Pucallpa, an Amazon city grappling with deforestation and illegal mining.

Cecilio Soria, an Indigenous human rights activist, expressed joy over the Pope's visit and emphasized the importance of addressing demands and grievances. Earlier, Leo held an outdoor Mass in Santa Cruz de Succhabamba, where he fondly reminisced about the hills, ravines, and fertile valleys that hold Inca Empire roots and a strong Christian faith.

In Zana, a major center of Afro-Peruvian society, the Pope apologized for the Church's involvement in transatlantic slavery during his May remarks. He expressed affection and closeness to the Afro-Peruvian community, emphasizing their contributions to the church.

Born in Chicago, Pope Leo XVI served as the bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023 and holds both US and Peruvian citizenship. His return to Chiclayo marked an emotional homecoming for both the Pope and the city's faithful. Speaking from his former cathedral, the Pope discussed the growing unrest and political instability in Peru, where the homicide rate has doubled in the past five years and President Keiko Fujimori was elected on a crime-tackling platform.

Despite the darkness and violence, Leo emphasized God's unwavering presence, sharing his hope for the future. He is set to arrive in Lima, the Peruvian capital, on Sunday evening and depart for Rome on Monday.