Written by:
peru.travel
Thursday, May 22, 2025
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Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected the new pope and chose the name Leo XIV. His appointment sparked great excitement in Peru, especially among the northern population, as he left an indelible mark during the evangelization process he led in the region for nearly 40 years.
The affection that Leo XIV holds for Peru was evident in the Urbi et Orbi, the first blessing he delivered from the Vatican City to Rome and the world after being entrusted with the role of successor to Francis as the supreme pontiff of the Catholic Church.
Pope Leo XIV’s Route: The Places That Shaped His Faith in Peru
Chulucanas
Leo XIV stayed in three places in Peru, the first of which was Chulucanas, Piura, where he arrived in 1985 as an Augustinian missionary. It was the San José Obrero parish where the now Holy Father gave his first masses to the community. Later, the main church of the town, Santísima Cruz de Chulucanas, also became a space where he shared his faith with devoted followers.
credits: Señor de Ayabaca. © Marcela Delgado / PROMPERÚ
He also stood out for embracing the local culture: he actively participated in the celebrations of the Señor de Ayabaca (one of the most revered images in northern Peru that draws thousands of pilgrims, some of whom walk from Chiclayo, Trujillo, and even Lima). He highlighted the historical center’s vast heritage and traditional craftsmanship and visited the Mirador de la Cruz, a traditional site for reflection and enjoying the landscape.
Trujillo
In Trujillo, Pope Leo XIV spent 11 years (1988–1999), playing a fundamental role as a vicar in religious and community life. The pontiff left an enduring legacy at the Santo Tomás de Villanueva Convent, where he lived in a modest room marked by humility and peace.
He founded two parishes: Nuestra Señora de Monserrat and Santa Rita de Casia, which today are a source of pride for the people of the north. The construction of both sanctuaries reflected the then priest’s commitment to expanding and strengthening the Church in the region.
Credits: Catedral de Trujillo. © Daniel Silva / PROMPERÚ.
As in Chulucanas, Leo XIV also highlighted the great significance of architectural and cultural landmarks: Trujillo Cathedral, El Carmen Church and Monastery, San Agustín Church, Toy Museum, Main Square (Plaza de Armas), Urquiaga House, Chan Chan Archaeological Complex, and Huanchaco Beach.
Chiclayo
In 2001, Pope John Paul II appointed him Bishop of Chiclayo, and he took on leadership of the diocese. In 2015, he became a Peruvian citizen, sealing his deep bond with the local community.
Credits: Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipán. © Renzo Tasso / PROMPERÚ
The Santa María Cathedral of Chiclayo became his main seat, where he conducted numerous masses. Robert Prevost was also a fervent admirer of local history, participating in religious events such as the Lord of Miracles Procession, Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe, and the Holy Week. He particularly appreciated cultural landmarks such as the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, National Museum of Sicán in Ferreñafe, Huaca Rajada Archaeological Complex, Túcume Archaeological Complex, and natural attractions like Pimentel Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, among others.
More than a religious leader, Pope Leo XIV was a pilgrim among the streets, parishes, and communities of northern Peru. Visit these places that carry the living legacy of the pontiff and learn firsthand about the work he carried out during his time as a priest.
Contact the Experts!
If you would like more information about this and other destinations, here are the contacts:
For the Lambayeque region, you can contact the IPERÚ specialists at (51-1) 616 73 00, extension 1870, or email [email protected].
The offices are located at the Chiclayo Municipal Palace (San José 823), at the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum (Av. Juan Pablo Vizcardo y Guzmán 895), and in the arrivals hall of the José Abelardo Quiñones International Airport in Chiclayo.
For information about destinations in the La Libertad region, you can contact IPERÚ specialists at (51-1) 616 73 00, extension 1822, or email [email protected] / [email protected].
The offices are located at Jr. Independencia 463, Plaza de Armas; at the Huacas de Moche Archaeological Complex; and at Av. La Rivera 165, Huanchaco Beach.
You can also reach them via WhatsApp at (51) 944-492-314, available 24/7 from Monday to Sunday.
Remember that IPERÚ is the official service of PROMPERÚ, dedicated to providing information and assistance to both local and international travelers.
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