Peru: Giant statue of Pope Leo XIV unveiled ahead of papal visit

Loading the video No Comment Video. Peru: Giant statue of Pope Leo XIV unveiled ahead of papal visit Copy/paste the link below: Copy/paste the article video embed link below: Updated: 10 November 2026 - 8:45 GMT+1 A giant statue of Pope Leo XIV has been unveiled in Callao, Peru, ahead of his upcoming visit. The monument honours the pontiff's close ties to the country, where he previously served as a missionary and bishop. The monumental sculpture was revealed during a public ceremony attended by residents and visitors, who gathered to admire the tribute and take photographs. Aerial footage captures the statue rising prominently above its surroundings, while people can be seen approaching the monument and photographing it from different angles. The unveiling marks a public celebration of the pope's longstanding connection with Peru, a country that played an important role in his life before he became head of the Roman Catholic Church. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Born in the United States, Leo XIV spent years working in Peru as a Catholic missionary and later served as a bishop, developing close ties with local communities. His election as pope brought renewed attention to his history in the country, where his upcoming visit is expected to carry particular significance for Catholics. The unveiling in Callao comes as the pontiff undertakes a 12-day tour of South America, which has already taken him to Argentina, the homeland of his predecessor, the late Pope Francis. By erecting a monument in his honour, the Peruvian city is recognising a religious leader whose career has been closely linked to the country and whose return will mark a new chapter in that relationship. Peru Lima, Peru Pope Leo XIV statue monument South America Top stories Now playing Next Peru: Giant statue of Pope Leo XIV unveiled ahead of papal visit Now playing Next Turkey: Steel plant explosion kills 17 in Izmir province Now playing Next Poland: Tusk and Nawrocki honour six victims of Kraków shooting Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | November 10th, 2026 – Morning Now playing Next EU joins Ukraine peace talks as race to replace Lagarde heats up Now playing Next EU Announces €50 Million for Black Sea Maritime Security Hub Now playing Next Turkey: Delegates arrive in Antalya as COP31 climate talks begin Now playing Next Watch: Spectacular double waterspout forms off Italy's Capri island Now playing Next Who is Alice Huang, the alleged Chinese spy linked to Nvidia's Jensen Huang? Now playing Next EU to send joint team to Ukraine-Russia talks in Abu Dhabi Now playing Next What we know about the Krakow shooting that left six people dead Now playing Next Trump to meet Russia's Putin and China's Xi next week Now playing Next A huge explosion at a steel factory in Western Turkey has left at least 17 people dead and 13 injured Now playing Next How could the Jensen Huang 'spy' scandal affect Nvidia's future? Now playing Next Argentina: Pope Leo XIV urges Milei's government to protect the most vulnerable Now playing Next Argentina: Pope Leo XIV receives warm welcome in Claypole ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT No Comment Egypt: Seven dead, 125 injured in collision between two trains No Comment Philippines: 'Trump out!' Women rally ahead of ASEAN summit No Comment Senegal: Dakar surf school helps young Africans reclaim the waves No Comment Argentina: Pope Leo XIV welcomed by Javier Milei for historic visit Europe News France says Iran behind cyberattacks on supermarket fridges Europe News Moment judge sentences Russell Brand for rape and sexual assault Europe News British comedian Russell Brand sentenced to 10 years and six months for rape, sexual assault Culture news Paris' famous Crazy Horse cabaret adapts its show for Dubai Europe Today Spanish minister Cuerpo builds case for Madrid's candidate to replace Lagarde at the ECB Europe News French judo legend and Olympic medallist Teddy Riner announces presidential bid Culture news Were people smoking cannabis 2,800 years ago? A new ancient tomb discovery suggests potentially Tech News Who is Alice Huang, the alleged Chinese spy linked to Nvidia's Jensen Huang? ADVERTISEMENT Gaza Gaza storm kills five and leaves 70,000 displaced people's tents flooded Meet The Locals A Portuguese chef’s journey from Vila do Conde to Macao Europe News EU to send joint team to Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Abu Dhabi Tech News Trump calls Nvidia chief Jensen Huang an 'honorable guy' amid spy allegations Europe Today Conservative politicians 'stupid and foolish' on climate policy rollbacks, says climate activist Culture news Chilean Oscar-winning director Sebastián Lelio dies aged 52 Europe News Crete boat tragedy: 21 migrants found dead trying to reach Greece Europe Today Social media influence plays a 'critical role' in radicalisation, says Polish expert ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT