On a vibrant Saturday evening, the streets of Chiclayo, Peru, were buzzing with excitement, pride, and deep emotion.
More than 10,000 people packed the plaza outside the Basilica and Cathedral of Santa María de Chiclayo—not for a holiday or concert, but for a Mass filled with gratitude and joy.
They were there to celebrate the election of someone they consider their own: Pope Leo XIV.
It wasn’t just any pope they were honoring. This was Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost Martínez—now Pope Leo XIV—who spent over eight years as their bishop.
For the people of Chiclayo, he’s more than a spiritual leader; he’s family.
A Heartfelt Mass of Gratitude and Memories
The Thanksgiving Mass was led by Chiclayo’s current bishop, Edinson Farfán, with dozens of priests from the area joining him on stage.
A large outdoor altar had been set up for the occasion, surrounded by music, colorful banners featuring the new pope’s photo, and joyful chants echoing through the night.
Bishop Farfán’s homily painted a deeply moving picture of the man who once walked their streets and guided their community.
He reminded the crowd of Pope Leo XIV’s long-standing love for Peru, a country he first visited in 1985 and later served with great affection—especially the diocese of Chiclayo from 2014 to 2023.
Honoring the Pope’s Love for Peru and Its People
Bishop Farfán emphasized how deeply the former bishop had connected with the spiritual life of the region.
From his devotion to Peruvian saints like Saint Rose of Lima and Saint Martin de Porres, to his participation in local religious festivals such as the Feast of the Most Holy Cross of Chalpón de Motupe and the Eucharistic City of Eten, Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to the culture and faith of Chiclayo was personal and profound.
He even celebrated the Feast of the Captive Nazarene of Monsefú on his own birthday, showing how rooted he had become in the rhythms and traditions of the people he served.
The City That Shaped a Pope
Calling Chiclayo a “school of faith, closeness, and humanity,” Bishop Farfán shared how Pope Leo XIV often referred to the city as his “beloved diocese.”
The bishop noted that the simplicity and warmth of the people had left a permanent mark on the pope’s heart—and now, Chiclayo carries the honor of having shaped a man who would go on to lead the global Church.
The Invitation and the Hopes for a Visit
During his address, Bishop Farfán joyfully announced that the diocese would be formally inviting Pope Leo XIV to return for a visit. “Without a doubt,” he said, “Chiclayo is in his heart.”
The hope of seeing their beloved former bishop again sparked excitement throughout the crowd.
A Shepherd Who Walks With His People
The bishop went on to describe the new pontiff’s pastoral character, calling him “a shepherd with the smell of sheep.”
This was no distant figure of authority, he said, but a man who stood shoulder to shoulder with the poor, the sick, migrants, and those on the margins.
His choice of the name Leo XIV is also rich with meaning.
It’s a tribute to Pope Leo XIII, known for his work on social justice and the dignity of labor through his famous encyclical Rerum Novarum.
This choice reflects Pope Leo XIV’s deep commitment to issues of fairness, justice, and the common good.
Remembering His Leadership During the Pandemic
The bishop reminded the faithful of the pope’s hands-on leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he remained a steady, compassionate presence in Chiclayo.
“He, like Jesus, made signs of the Kingdom of God with his life,” Bishop Farfán said. “He fed the hungry, healed the sick, welcomed all.”
This legacy, he added, is one the people of Chiclayo are called to continue—living lives of closeness, mercy, and service.
A Man of Deep Spiritual Roots
As a member of the Augustinian order, Pope Leo XIV carries a spirituality rooted in reflection, listening, and dialogue.
Bishop Farfán described him as someone who carefully discerns the path forward, always seeking God’s will through prayer and conversation.
“He knows well,” the bishop said, “that without Christ we can do nothing… With Christ, everything! Without Christ, nothing!”
A Celebration Filled With Faith and Festivity
The Mass ended with cheers, songs, and applause as the community lifted their hearts in prayer for the new pope’s journey.
Bishop Farfán left them with a powerful message of hope: “I’m sure he will also tell us: courage, brothers, let us not allow our hope to be stolen.”
He concluded with a blessing for the new pope, invoking the Holy Spirit and Mary, Mother of Good Counsel, to guide and protect him.
Chiclayo’s Pride Echoes Across Peru
As the Eucharistic celebration gave way to fireworks and traditional folk dancing, the plaza lit up in both spirit and spectacle.
Banners waved, chants like “¡León, amigo, Chiclayo está contigo!” and “¡El Papa es Chiclayano!” echoed through the streets.
It was more than just a Mass—it was a night Chiclayo would never forget, a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between a city and its beloved shepherd who now carries the weight of the Church on his shoulders.