Pope Leo Returns to Peru, the Country That Shaped Him

Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Leo first arrived in Peru as a missionary in 1985. His years there included work in remote Andean communities and leadership in Chiclayo, where he became a naturalized citizen in 2015. Peruvians remember him for practical help during crises as well as his church work.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Prevost traveled to Callao, where he helped provide food and spiritual support. In Chiclayo, he and Caritas raised more than $380,000 for two oxygen plants. He also helped coordinate aid during floods, including those caused by Cyclone Yaku in 2023, which affected more than 10,000 people.

His work also included support for Venezuelan migrants. More than 20,000 passed through Chiclayo, and over 3,500 families settled in the region, according to diocesan figures. Prevost promoted a church commission to assist migrants and address human trafficking, and supported a shelter village in Puerto Etén.

In Trujillo, he encouraged discussion of abuses during Peru’s internal conflict and took part in gathering signatures for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He also protested human rights abuses during Alberto Fujimori’s presidency.

The visit comes as much of Peru faces an emergency amid heavy rains and coastal flooding. Plans to take Leo to remote mountain towns were abandoned because of logistical and weather risks; residents will instead gather in Zaña. The pope is also scheduled to visit Callao, where a 46-foot statue of him has been erected. His long-awaited homecoming is drawing large crowds, while recalling the years that forged his connection with Peru.

Leo’s Peru Homecoming Highlights Service to the Vulnerable

Pope Leo XIV’s return to Peru puts the people-centered work that shaped his ministry in the spotlight. Born in Chicago, Robert Prevost spent nearly two decades in Peru, where he built close ties with communities often left without adequate support.

During the Covid-19 crisis, he brought food and spiritual care to people in lockdown and helped raise more than $380,000 for two oxygen plants in Chiclayo. He also joined disaster response efforts, including aid for more than 10,000 people affected by Cyclone Yaku flooding in 2023.

His work with Venezuelan migrants went beyond emergency supplies. Prevost supported a church initiative to help migrants and fight human trafficking, and backed efforts to help people regularize their status so they could work and integrate. More than 20,000 Venezuelans passed through Chiclayo, and over 3,500 families settled in the region.

He also made space for people to discuss abuses during Peru’s internal conflict and participated in collecting signatures for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. During Alberto Fujimori’s presidency, he protested human rights abuses.

Leo’s six-day itinerary unfolds as Peru faces flooding and extreme rain. A planned visit to remote mountain communities was ruled too risky, with residents instead invited to Zaña. His record in Peru shows a church leader who repeatedly stood alongside people facing hardship—and a homecoming that is about more than ceremony.

Leo’s Peru Homecoming Puts Faith and Local Service on Display

Pope Leo XIV’s return to Peru showcases the religious ties and community work that helped make the country his adopted home. Born in Chicago, Robert Prevost spent nearly two decades in Peru and became a naturalized citizen in 2015.

As a missionary and later bishop of Chiclayo, he worked directly with local communities. During the pandemic, he helped provide food and spiritual guidance and joined a fundraising effort that brought in more than $380,000 for two oxygen plants. He also supported disaster relief during floods, including Cyclone Yaku in 2023.

His church’s response to Venezuelan migration included food, clothing, medicine and shelter. Prevost promoted a diocesan commission focused on migrants and human trafficking, and prioritized helping migrants regularize their legal status and integrate into society.

Leo’s Peruvian identity is also rooted in the country’s religious traditions. He embraced popular forms of Catholic devotion grounded in Andean customs, a choice that has drawn criticism from some conservative Catholic voices. In Trujillo, he encouraged discussion of Peru’s past violence and joined efforts to gather signatures for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The visit comes amid flooding and extreme rain, complicating plans for crowds and travel. Organizers shifted the gathering for remote communities to Zaña after helicopter access proved too risky. Leo’s return highlights a sustained relationship with Peru’s people, faith and local institutions.