Daniel del Castillo González
In the atrium of the Cathedral of St. Mary, Pope Leo XIV returned to the church where his episcopal ministry began. But this time, he came as the Successor of Peter, to crown Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception of Chiclayo.
POPE LEO XIV
“Together, we celebrate our faith, as we have done so many times in this cathedral, which witnessed the first steps of my episcopal ministry in service to the Diocese of Chiclayo.”
Marian devotion in Chiclayo dates back to the 16th century, when Franciscan missionaries built the first Church of St. Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception.
That is why the Pope understood the significance of this coronation. He wanted to present the people of Chiclayo with the image of the Immaculate Conception as a sign of their communion with the Holy Father.
POPE LEO XIV
“The crown I will place upon the head of Our Lady is meant to symbolize the tribute of gratitude and filial love offered by the Pope, together with you and the entire Church, as we recognize her as the loving Mother and Protectress of Chiclayo.”
Just weeks earlier, the Regional Government of Lambayeque had declared the Immaculate Conception the patroness of the entire region.
Looking back on his years as a missionary in Peru, Pope Leo XIV recalled the towns and cities he visited throughout his diocese. He gave thanks to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception for all that he had learned during those first years of ministry.
POPE LEO XIV
“To your Immaculate Heart, I entrust my life and my ministry today as the Successor of Peter. I also ask you to watch over and protect the People of God making their pilgrimage in this land, and always guide them toward your Son, Jesus Christ.”
In this way, the coronation brought together two defining moments in his life: his first steps as Bishop of Chiclayo and his present responsibility as head of the universal Church.
“By your side, I learned to be the shepherd of Chiclayo. You accompanied me through its towns and cities. You taught me to encounter its people and remain attentive to their needs, just as you did at the Wedding Feast at Cana.
