The pontiff delivered an address at the historic fortress of Saqsaywaman, located more than 11,000 feet above sea level, encouraging the preservation of traditional local beliefs. He later journeyed to the banks of the Ucayali River to publicly condemn the rampant deforestation and displacement plaguing the Amazon basin. Leo specifically called out illegal mining practices that continue to cause widespread water contamination and heavy metal poisoning across the country. His return to the Vatican on Monday concludes an extensive regional trip that also featured stops in Uruguay and Argentina.
Key points
The Vatican is using papal visits to elevate urgent concerns regarding environmental dest…: The Vatican is using papal visits to elevate urgent concerns regarding environmental destruction and Indigenous displacement.
Illegal mining operations in the region face strong papal condemnation due to resulting w…: Illegal mining operations in the region face strong papal condemnation due to resulting water pollution and toxic poisoning.
The pontiff demonstrated notable physical resilience while completing the final full day…: The pontiff demonstrated notable physical resilience while completing the final full day of his three-nation regional tour.
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In Pictures
Photos: Pope Leo visits Peru’s Amazon and Andean regions during 12-day tour
The pope calls for the preservation of Indigenous traditions in Peru as he wraps a 12-day tour in Latin America.
Pope Leo XIV has criss-crossed Peru on the penultimate day of his Latin America tour, making stops in the Andean highlands and the Peruvian Amazon.
Sunday marked the last full day of his trip, which has seen him visit Uruguay and Argentina already.
The pontiff spent the morning in the Andean city of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, delivering a speech at the Indigenous fortress of Saqsaywaman.
In his remarks, Leo praised the region’s traditional festivities and processions, which often blend Indigenous and Catholic spirituality.
“The future of these traditions lies not only in preserving what has been handed down, but also in passing it on in a living way,” he said.
Huge crowds also packed Cusco’s central Plaza de Armas to greet Leo. Though born in the United States, Leo acquired Peruvian citizenship in 2015, after living in the country for years…
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