OMM Newsroom
Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass before hundreds of thousands of people in Pimentel, northern Peru, on Friday, during a visit to Chiclayo, where he served as bishop before becoming pontiff, Anadolu Agency reported, citing Peru’s state news agency Andina.
An estimated 500,000 people attended the Mass at Pampas de Pimentel, while another one million lined the streets along the papal motorcade’s route, Andina reported. Thousands of worshippers arrived early for the service and to welcome the pope.
Leo served as bishop of Chiclayo from 2014 to 2023
Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Leo became known locally as “Padre Roberto” during his years in northern Peru. He worked with vulnerable communities and supported migrant populations.
His time in the diocese coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, severe flooding and the arrival of Venezuelan migrants in Peru. He also served as chancellor of the Catholic University of Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo.
After his election in May 2025, Leo described Chiclayo as a diocese close to his heart and said he wanted to return. During Friday’s visit, he thanked residents for their prayers and welcomed the chance to meet them again.
Pope’s schedule includes meetings in Chiclayo
His schedule includes a private visit to the San Oscar A. Romero Chapel in Chiclayo’s La Victoria district at 12:40 p.m. (1740 GMT).
At 4:30 p.m. (2130 GMT), he is scheduled to meet bishops, priests, religious representatives, seminarians and pastoral workers at the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace. He will then meet members of the university community at the Catholic University of Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo at 5:45 p.m. (2245 GMT).
The day’s programme will end with dinner with priests from the Diocese of Chiclayo at 7 p.m. (0000 GMT Saturday).
On Saturday, Leo will visit Santa Cruz de Succhabamba and Zana. His 12-day apostolic tour, which began on Nov. 6, also includes stops in Uruguay and Argentina and is due to end on Nov. 17.
