Pope says Inca heartland 'suffering' as villages empty
SANTA CRUZ DE SUCCHABAMBA: Pope Leo XIV warned Saturday that the heartland of the ancient Inca Empire was “suffering,” as the remote, poverty-stricken communities he served as a missionary in Peru shrink dramatically.
Pope Leo XIV expressed concern on Saturday about the suffering experienced by remote, impoverished communities in the heartland of the ancient Inca Empire in Peru, as these villages increasingly empty due to migration to major coastal cities like Lima and Trujillo. The 71-year-old pontiff, recently recovering from cancer surgery, journeyed to Santa Cruz de Succhabamba in the Andes mountains during his 12-day tour of South America.
Despite his limited mobility, the pope emphasized his commitment to visiting the region, highlighting its rich Andean roots and Christian heritage. However, the communities are facing numerous challenges, with over 40 percent of the population in the Cajamarca region living in poverty, the highest rate in the country, according to official data.
The region has also seen a significant loss of inhabitants due to internal migration, with 729,000 people born there now residing elsewhere. Furthermore, declining birth rates are contributing to empty villages, while the unequal distribution of resources exacerbates the situation. Pope Leo praised the perseverance of those striving to provide dignified livelihoods, ranging from farmers to shopkeepers and small-business owners.
Despite the difficulties, many pilgrims expressed joy and gratitude for the pope's visit, hoping that his presence would bring positive change to the province.
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- Pope says Inca heartland ‘suffering’ as villages empty freemalaysiatoday.com
