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Pope Leo XIV Addresses 60,000 Young Peruvians in Lima
Confirmed
In Short: Pope Leo XIV addressed a jubilant crowd of 60,000 young Peruvians at Lima's national stadium, urging them to embrace hope and pursue their vocations.
Peruvians flock to see Pope Leo XIV in city he served as bishop • FRANCE 24 English. FRANCE 24 English
Pope Leo XIV addressed a jubilant crowd of 60,000 young Peruvians at Lima's national stadium, urging them to embrace hope and pursue their vocations.
"Speak to him about your plans and allow his word to question you," Pope Leo XIV told the crowd, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance from Christ.
The Pope, who has Peruvian citizenship and lived in the country for over two decades, highlighted the significance of personal fulfillment in following God's path.
"Do not be afraid to ask him what he expects of you," Pope Leo XIV said, encouraging young people to explore their calling, whether it be priesthood, religious life, or marriage.
Local businesses and hotels capitalized on the Pope's visit, with hotels sharply increasing their nightly room rates and local authorities reporting an additional 300,000 young people following the vigil from surrounding areas.
"He must increase, but I must decrease," Pope Leo XIV quoted St. John the Baptist, emphasizing his commitment to letting Christ's message grow.
Pope Leo XIV's visit to Peru, which began on Nov. 12, marks the longest stop on his first tour of Latin America since his election in May 2025.
"The Pope has come home and Chiclayo is celebrating," said Lisbeth Díaz, a teacher who worked with Pope Leo when he served as the city's bishop between 2015 and 2023.
"It is the return of the man who brought Peruvians closer to the Church," said Samuel David Miranda Atoche, a local parish priest from Chiclayo who was ordained by the Pope.
Pope Leo XIV's message of hope and encouragement resonated deeply with the young Peruvians, who lined the streets to greet him and followed his every move during his visit.
What this adds
Pope Leo XIV's visit to Peru is part of a larger initiative to explore tech-forward solutions to Church projects, which will reach four U.S. dioceses in early 2027.
Background
Pope Leo XIV urged Argentinians to proclaim the Gospel with joy during his visit to the country, emphasizing the importance of spreading Christ's message.
In a message released Nov. 3, Pope Leo XIV encouraged young Christians to embrace 'gentle courage' and transform the world with love.
What's confirmed
- “Learning to recognize the Lordʼs voice is essential,” the pope told some 60,000 young people at a Lima stadium vigil, pointing to Christʼs passion as the model.
- LIMA (OSV News) — Pope Leo XIV called on young Peruvians to not give in to the “dangerous suspicion” that following God means sacrificing their personal fulfillment and to reject the belief that they need to sin in order to experience happiness.
- Local authorities said that in addition to the thousands in the stadium, another 300,000 young people were following the prayer vigil from the surrounding areas.
What's still developing
- "Thank you for your affection, support and prayers," the Pope told followers.
- Pope Leo celebrated Mass in front of a jubilant crowd Many came from across Peru and even neighbouring countries to attend.
- Of all the events the Pope has attended so far during his visit to Peru, this felt particularly emotional.
- The Pope, who has Peruvian citizenship, lived in Chiclayo for several years Pope Leo XIV has celebrated Mass near the Peruvian city where he made his name as a compassionate bishop who worked closely with poor and migrant communities.
- Here are photos of Pope Leo’s activities in Peru: Pope Leo XIV waves to the crowds gathered outside the archbishop’s palace in Lima, Peru, before meeting with Peruvian bishops on Nov.
- Thousands of Peruvians lined the streets to greet the Pope as he made his way to the Government Palace for an official meeting with Fujimori.
- After spending more than 20 years in Peru as a missionary and bishop, Pope Leo XIV developed a strong bond with his adopted homeland, where he has held citizenship since 2015.
- A young Prevost first arrived in the South American country as a missionary in 1985.
- Volunteers helping at the stadium event donned yellow shirts and joined choreographed dances along the aisles, singing songs dedicated to Pope Leo.
Sources
- BBClink
- Catholic World Reportlink
- The Tablet Catholic Newspaperlink
- Thechroniclelink
- Aleteialink
- Ncregisterlink
- Thelettersfromleolink
- Telesurenglishlink
- Ksllink
- OSV Newslink
- WarpBeat — background on Pope Leo Urges Argentinians to Proclaim Christ With Joy link
- WarpBeat — background on Pope Leo XIV Urges Young Christians to Show 'Gentle Courage' link
- FRANCE 24 English — video link
- EWTN News — video link
- Forbes Breaking News — video link
- DWS News — video link