Peru: Pope Leo XIV returns to his adopted homeland on historic visit

Loading the video No Comment Video. Peru: Pope Leo XIV returns to his adopted homeland on historic visit Copy/paste the link below: Copy/paste the article video embed link below: Updated: 12 November 2026 - 10:07 GMT+1 Pope Leo XIV received a rapturous welcome in Peru, on 11 November, where he spent more than two decades as a missionary and bishop. Greeted by President Keiko Fujimori, he described his return as a homecoming. The 71-year-old pontiff was greeted at the airport by President Keiko Fujimori before blessing children with disabilities and babies gathered on the tarmac. He later travelled through the capital in his popemobile, waving to crowds carrying Peruvian and Vatican flags. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT According to Vatican estimates, around three million people lined his route into the city. At Lima's historic Plaza Mayor, Leo was welcomed at the Government Palace, where he paid tribute to the Peruvian flag and joined Fujimori and a children's choir in singing the national anthem. The pope later met the president privately before addressing officials and guests at the National Theatre. The visit marks the final leg of Leo XIV's 12-day South American tour, following stops in Uruguay and Argentina, and carries particular personal significance for the Chicago-born pontiff. Formerly known as Robert Prevost, he spent more than two decades serving communities in Peru and became bishop of Chiclayo before his election as pope. Having acquired Peruvian citizenship in 2015, he told officials that the country had shaped his understanding of pastoral service. "I am also returning to my homeland," he declared, recalling the families who had welcomed him into their homes and shared their lives with him. Affectionately known to many Peruvians as "Padre Roberto", Leo is also expected to visit the Amazon region, the Andean city of Cusco and Chiclayo during his stay. Peru Lima, Peru Pope Leo XIV Keiko Fujimori Chiclayo South America Top stories Now playing Next Peru: Pope Leo XIV returns to his adopted homeland on historic visit Now playing Next US: Survivor pulled alive from rubble after deadly Brooklyn collapse Now playing Next Cologne carnival season kicks off with thousands taking to the streets Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | November 12th, 2026 – Morning Now playing Next 'Not much space for climate denial anymore', says climate expert Now playing Next Exploitative e-commerce to be a thing of the past, McGrath vows Now playing Next Video shows soldier reprimanding Hegseth and advisers at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Now playing Next Ukraine-Russia peace talks enter second day with territory in focus Now playing Next EU budget battle erupts as four countries defy Merz over Ukraine aid Now playing Next US Republicans block move to impeach US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth Now playing Next Five EU countries demand UK pays for electricity market access Now playing Next Abu Dhabi peace talks end with prisoner exchange agreement Now playing Next Europe Today: Ukraine talks yield prisoner swap as European leaders meet in Dublin Now playing Next Moment historic SS United States sinks off Florida’s coast Now playing Next At least two dead while others are trapped in the rubble after a building collapse in New York City Now playing Next Spain: Clashes erupt in Barcelona after peaceful general strike march ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT No Comment Spain: 120,000 brave rain to demand affordable housing and better wages No Comment Men and women trade punches in Bogotá's makeshift boxing ring No Comment Storm Charles: Heavy rain and strong winds batter Portugal No Comment Protesters outside Israel’s Knesset oppose Arab lawmakers, call for new elections Europe News France's 11 November ceremonies: Macron, Le Pen, Mélenchon between memory and pacifism The Ring Is the EU setting the right priorities? 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