The Metropolitan Cathedral of Lima brought Pope Leo XIV back to a Church that has been part of his life for decades.
There, he led the celebration of Midday Prayer before the relics of Saint Toribio de Mogrovejo, a defining figure in Peru’s Church and missionary history.
POPE LEO XIV
I first came to Peru many years ago, sent to serve the People of God and build his Kingdom, to advance peace through justice, with special care for the most vulnerable. Today, I am back to encourage you to keep spreading the Gospel.
Robert Prevost first arrived in Peru in 1985 as an Augustinian missionary, first assigned to the Chulucanas. He later spent eleven years in Trujillo as a formator.
In his homily, he reflected once more on Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo, whose remains lie in the cathedral.
He also paid tribute to the Lord of Miracles, one of Peru’s most cherished devotions. The image of Christ crucified survived the earthquakes that devastated Lima in the 17th century.
POPE LEO XIV
Peru needs this so much. It needs a Church that plants the seeds of love, builds bridges where others put up walls, listens, heals and forgives. At the same time, one that is willing to acknowledge its own failings and ask for forgiveness with humility.
Reconciliation was one of the main themes of his reflection. He called for the Church to build bridges and take responsibility for its own failings.
POPE LEO XIV
You have often heard me speak about the need to foster a ‘disarmed and disarming peace’ throughout the world. This is an urgent challenge. It calls for nurturing dialogue and fraternity, every day and in every circumstance.
He called on the faithful to overcome divisions and recognize what each person can bring to the Church. For Pope Leo XIV, that mission begins with listening, dialogue and fraternity.
