# Pope Leo XIV Returns to Peru

> Pope Leo XIV returns to Peru, his homeland, for a nationwide welcome as the first Peruvian pope.
- Title: Pope Leo XIV Returns to Peru · France24 | Shortify
- Summary: Pope Leo XIV returns to Peru, his homeland, for a nationwide welcome as the first Peruvian pope.
- Keywords: pope leo xiv, peru, catholic church, peruvian citizenship, south america tour, el niño, monetary poverty, shining path, indigenous peoples, machu picchu, catholicism, peruvian government
- Source: France24 — https://france24.com/en/americas/20261111-pope-leo-xiv-returns-to-second-homeland-peru-to-a-nationwide-welcome
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pope leo xiv, peru, catholic church, peruvian citizenship, south america tour, el niño, monetary poverty, shining path, indigenous peoples, machu picchu, catholicism, peruvian government
## Pope Leo XIV's Homelands
Pope Leo XIV called Peru his homeland after two decades as a missionary and bishop.

> Peru was his "homeland"
## First Peruvian Pope
Leo is the first pope from Peru and the United States, a dual citizen.

> the first pope from each country
## Lima Welcome
President Keiko Fujimori welcomed Pope Leo XIV at a Lima-area air base.
## Crowd Reaction
Thousands waved Peruvian and Vatican flags as Pope Leo XIV entered the streets.
## Local Celebrations
A 46-foot statue of Pope Leo XIV was unveiled in El Callao, and baristas offered cappuccinos with his image.
## Historical Context
Peru faces challenges including El Niño, violent crime, and income inequality.
## Economic Conditions
25.7 percent of Peruvians lived in monetary poverty in 2025.

> 25.7 percent
## Political Climate
Peru has experienced political instability with nine presidents since July 2.016.

> nine presidents since July 2016
## Indigenous Peoples
Pope Leo XIV will honor Indigenous peoples by visiting Pucallpa in the Amazon.
## Cusco Visit
Pope Leo XIV will celebrate Mass in Cusco, site of the Inca empire and Machu Picchu.
## Public Sentiment
Many Peruvians feel abandoned by the state and hope for the pope’s message.
## Catholic Church Credibility
The Catholic Church has higher credibility than any other Peruvian institution.
## Key takeaway

Pope Leo XIV, the first Peruvian pope, returns to Peru after two decades as a missionary, sparking nationwide celebrations.