Pope Leo's Peru Homecoming

Pope Leo's Latin America Visit

Pope Leo XIV travels to Latin America on Nov. 6, 2026, with a packed itinerary through Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.

Pope's Peru Connection

Leo spent two decades in Peru and holds Peruvian citizenship, making this a homecoming for the pope.

Liberation Theology Origins

Liberation theology was coined in a 1968 lecture by Peruvian theologian Gustavo Gutiérrez.

Liberation Theology Impact

Gutiérrez and like-minded theologians argued Christians have a moral duty to liberate the oppressed.

Liberation Theology in Peru

Liberationists tailored economic justice projects to address how international and national companies profited off low wages of miners and farmers.

Vatican's Stance Shift

The Vatican shifted when Pope John Paul II became pope in 1978, fearing liberation theology's use of Marxist analysis.

Pope John Paul II's Actions

John Paul ordered a Peruvian bishop investigation of Gutiérrez over Marxism's influence on his work.

Pope Leo's Background

Leo, born Robert Prevost, began his priesthood in Peru in 1985 after ordination.

Chulucanas Pastoral Work

In Chulucanas, Peru, Leo worked with community programs to provide literacy education and poverty discussions.

St. Oscar Romero's Legacy

St. Oscar Romero was assassinated in 1980 after speaking out against human rights violations by the Salvadoran military.

Pope's Chapel Visit

Leo visits the Capilla San Óscar Romero chapel in Chiclayo, his former diocese, for private prayer.

Romero's Final Message

Romero urged soldiers to 'Cease the repression' before his assassination in 1980.

“No soldier is obliged to obey an order counter to the law of God”