Pope Leo XIV Expresses Desire to Visit Peru and May Make Emotional Return to Chiclayo Where He Once Served as Bishop

Speculation is mounting that Pope Leo XIV may return to Peru later this year, with the city of Chiclayo—where he once served as bishop—emerging as a likely stop.

The announcement has stirred excitement across the country, especially among locals who recall the pontiff’s time in the region.

Bishop Carlos García, president of the Peruvian Bishops’ Conference, described Chiclayo as “the most certain stop” on what is shaping up to be a highly anticipated visit, tentatively scheduled between November and the first week of December.

Chiclayo: A City Close to the Pope’s Heart

“The main place he will visit after Lima is Chiclayo. That’s definite, 100%,” Bishop García said during a press briefing summarizing the outcomes of the recent ad limina apostolorum visit to the Vatican, which took place from January 26–31.

The bishop highlighted the symbolic importance of the stop.

Pope Leo XIV served as bishop in Chiclayo before ascending to the papacy, making a return there deeply personal.

García also recounted the pope’s enthusiasm for coming back to Peru.

“How much he would like to be in Peru already! Because he loves Peru. His face lit up when we talked to him about it,” the bishop said.

Planning a Papal Visit Takes Time

While enthusiasm is high, the bishop emphasized that the visit remains in the planning stage and carries an estimated probability of about 80%.

Official confirmation depends on the Vatican and the diplomatic processes required for a state visit.

“It’s a whole structure that’s set in motion. It has to go through a dicastery that prepares the visit. Now it’s up to those in charge to process and organize it,” García explained.

He added that Peru’s Church will start logistical preparations in March, forming an organizing committee even before formal approval is received.

Other Possible Stops

When asked about other cities Pope Leo XIV might visit, García said the itinerary beyond Chiclayo would depend on available time and logistical feasibility.

Potential locations include the Amazon region and Cusco, but nothing is set in stone.

“It doesn’t depend entirely on the Holy Father but rather on the time and geographical possibilities,” he said.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding other stops, Chiclayo remains the priority.

“The most definite place I can tell you right now is Chiclayo,” García reaffirmed.

A Personal Connection to Peru

The ad limina visit gave the Peruvian bishops an opportunity to meet Pope Leo XIV in both official and informal settings.

One memorable moment came during a lunch on January 29, 2026, where conversations included shared experiences and fond memories of Peru.

“He arrived in an atmosphere of such fraternity that we felt like we were in Peru while being in Rome, and the pope felt like he was in Peru while being in Rome,” García said.

He emphasized that the pope carries a deep spiritual bond with the country, keeping an image of the Lord of Miracles with him during daily prayers before Mass.

“Peru is in the pope’s heart,” he added.

Bringing Hope Amid Challenges

Bishop García highlighted that the potential visit goes beyond ceremonial appearances.

Pope Leo XIV’s return is motivated by his desire to support the Peruvian people, strengthen their faith, and inspire hope during challenging social and political times.

“He wants to come to Peru because he loves Peru… there is a sense of gratitude towards Peru… and also a desire to strengthen us in hope and renew the love he has always shown us,” García said.

The bishops, returning from Rome, expressed renewed energy for their pastoral missions.

García described the trip as “a true time of grace, blessing, and discernment,” leaving them inspired and spiritually rejuvenated.

What’s Next?

Preparations for the visit are expected to ramp up in March, with the Church forming committees to coordinate logistics across potential sites.

Meanwhile, Bishop García called on all Peruvians to prepare spiritually, emphasizing that the focus is on welcoming the pope to the country as a whole, rather than any single city.

Summary

Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming visit to Peru, tentatively set between November and early December, is shaping up to be a momentous event, with Chiclayo poised as a key stop due to the pope’s history there.

While other locations may be added depending on time and logistics, the visit is already generating excitement and a sense of hope.

The Church in Peru is beginning preparations, and citizens are being encouraged to ready themselves spiritually to welcome a pope who carries a deep personal and spiritual connection to the nation.