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peru.travel
Thursday, August 28, 2025
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Leo XIV’s route weaves through iconic landmarks, from the Cathedral Church of Callao to the Chiclayo Cathedral, and the Cathedral Church of Santo Domingo in Piura.
The “La ruta de Leon (The Path of Leo)” is a cultural and tourist circuit that honors the cities, temples, and iconic landmarks visited by the Supreme Pontiff during his years in Peru.
Designed to trace the footsteps of the man who became a Peruvian citizen in 2015 for his deep love of the country, its people, and its culture, the route encompasses religious, historical, and community landmarks-places that hosted his masses, gatherings with the faithful, and pastoral missions, as well as sites where he shared enduring messages of peace and unity.
This tour spans four Peruvian regions-Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad, and Callao-blending renowned tourist destinations with emblematic sites that showcase the richness of Peru’s legacy.
What can you visit in Piura?
The district of Chulucanas, in Morropon province, Piura, was the first to welcome the Supreme Pontiff in 1985 during an Augustinian mission. Famous for its distinctive black-and-white ceramics, this charming town also features remarkable places of worship along its route.
In Piura, you can step inside the San Jose Obrero Parish, marvel at the grandeur of the Sagrada Familia Cathedral Parish, and walk through centuries of faith at the historic Cathedral Church of Santo Domingo. Experience the spirit of service and hope at the Villa La Buena Nueva Training Center, then venture to the villages of La Encantada and Cruz Pampa Yapatera, where religious tradition is felt in every heartbeat.
What will you find in Lambayeque?
In his first message as Supreme Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV extended a heartfelt greeting to the Diocese of Chiclayo in Lambayeque-a province distinguished not only for serving as his episcopal seat for eight years (2015–2023), but also for its cultural richness, inseparable from its majestic legacy.
Famed for its archaeological treasures, natural landscapes, exquisite cuisine, and idyllic beaches like Pimentel, this region is home to iconic stops on the Pope’s route-among them the Cathedral of Chiclayo, a steadfast guardian of northern Peru’s faith.
The 26 adobe pyramids of the Tucume Museum rise as silent witnesses to the centuries, while the sacred ruins of the Convent of San Agustin in Zaña stand as a living testament to an unshakable faith. Equally timeless, the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum showcases an extraordinary collection of pre-Inka treasures tied to the legendary Mochica leader, echoing his legacy across the ages.
Also featured are the Bosque de Pomac Historical Sanctuary, along with the temples and convents where Robert Prevost carried out his pastoral mission-among them, the Virgen de la Paz Sanctuary, San Pedro de Monsefu, Santa Lucía de Ferreñafe, and the Santa Maria Magdalena Church (Divino Niño del Milagro).
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: POPE LEO XIV: THE TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN PERU HE VISITED OVER NEARLY 40 YEARS
What can you experience in La Libertad?
This region was home to Robert Prevost for 11 years, beginning in 1988-a chapter in which he served as seminary professor, director of studies, parish priest, and judicial vicar.
The route features five sites where the pope’s journey left a profound academic and pastoral legacy: the Archbishopric of Trujillo, where he served as judicial vicar; the San Carlos and San Marcelo Major Seminary, where he was professor and rector; the Nuestra Señora de Monserrat Parish; the Santa Rita de Casia Parish-one of the parishes he founded and led as parish priest-and the Santo Tomas de Villanueva Convent.
As if that were not enough, La Libertad boasts a captivating historic center, distinctive beaches like Huanchaco, and remarkable archaeological treasures—among them the walled city of Chan Chan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that safeguards centuries of history.
What to visit in Callao?
The pope also left cherished memories in Callao, Peru’s only constitutional province, where his warmth and pastoral closeness won the hearts of the faithful. It was here that he served as apostolic administrator of the diocese from 2020 to 2021.
That is why Pope Leo XIV’s route features places that embody his deep devotion: the Cathedral Church of Callao, the seat of the Bishopric of Callao, the Santa Rosa Parish-home to the revered image of the Lord of the Sea-and the Nuestra Señora de Carmen de la Legua Sanctuary, patron saint of Callao.
This constitutional province also offers unforgettable attractions, from Callao Monumental-where history, culture, and gastronomy converge in its storied streets-to La Punta, a picturesque district on the Pacific shore. You can explore the imposing 18th-century Real Felipe Fortress or venture to the National Reserve of the Guano Islands, Islet and Points System - Palomino Islet, a natural paradise teeming with seabirds and playful sea lions.
La ruta de Leon (The Path of Leo) through Peru invites you to follow paths rich in faith, history, and culture—linking iconic temples, archaeological wonders, and breathtaking landscapes that reflect his pastoral legacy. Along the way, you will also savor the architectural beauty, culinary treasures, and natural splendor of Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad, and Callao.
If you would like to learn more about the Pope Leo Route, find detailed information at the following link.
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