Eleven years ago, an American Augustinian arrived in the city of Chiclayo to be its bishop. Now, he has returned — this time as Pope Leo XIV.
The people of Chiclayo turned out in force to welcome their pastor. At the airport and along the streets, they cheered for the man who led their diocese from 2015 to 2023, when Pope Francis called him to serve at the Vatican.
This was one of the most anticipated moments of the pope’s trip, and he made no effort to hide his excitement.
POPE LEO XIV
What a joy it is to be back in Chiclayo! It is a blessing for me to be here with you again. Thank you for your affection, your support and your prayers, especially for my health during these challenging times, which, with God’s help, I am overcoming. Seeing your faces, I am moved to offer a spontaneous prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord for the blessings you have been, and continue to be, in my life and episcopal ministry.
Known as the “City of Friendship,” Chiclayo has a population of around 800,000. But an estimated one million people attended the Mass. Many had camped out overnight to be there.
In his homily, the pope spoke about proclaiming Jesus.
POPE LEO XIV
How can we carry out the mission of evangelization? The answer to this question is: through the witness of an authentically Christian and consistent life.
He spoke about the central role of the Eucharist and the Word of God, and the need to match charity with truth.
POPE LEO XIV
Dear friends, the mission cannot be improvised. We proclaim what we have found — indeed, the salvation we have experienced, the forgiveness of sins we have received, and the discovery of life’s true meaning, because “every Christian is a missionary to the extent that he or she has encountered the love of God in Christ Jesus.”
And from this region, from his beloved Chiclayo, he called on everyone to spread the Gospel to every village, town and city, proclaiming God to all.
