Pope Leo to cross Peru for visits to Inca city, Amazon gateway

Pope Leo is set to embark on a 2700 km journey across Peru on Sunday, concluding his penultimate day of a South America tour, according to Reuters. The itinerary includes visits to Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, and Pucallpa, an entrance to the Amazon rainforest. This marks the first time a Pope has returned to his adopted home of Peru.

Pope Leo, who spent about two decades in Peru as a missionary, will traverse 2270 km in just 12 hours. Four events await him in Cusco and Pucallpa. Church leaders aim to boost Peruvian attendance at these events, noting that Leo has drawn the largest crowds of his papacy so far.

The Pope's visit to Cusco and Pucallpa is expected to raise awareness about the living conditions of Indigenous people, particularly in Pucallpa, home to the Shipibo-Konibo Indigenous people. Indigenous activist Cecilio Soria expressed hope that Leo's arrival would bring attention to their struggles.

The Pope's visit to high-altitude Cusco, just a month after his lung cancer surgery, has raised concerns about potential altitude sickness. However, medical experts ensure that Leo faces no special dangers and may require rest breaks or supplemental oxygen during the trip.