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The Peruvian city that has embraced Pope Leo as one of its own

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The pontiff led a massive open-air mass in Pimentel near Chiclayo, an area where he lived for decades and holds citizenship. Attendees endured heat exceeding 30 degrees Celsius overnight to celebrate the leader, who previously earned local reverence by supporting migrants and setting up soup kitchens during the pandemic. He also addressed the crowd directly regarding his health, thanking them for prayers following his recent lung cancer operation.

Key points

  • The papal visit represents an emotional return to a diocese the pontiff previously led as…: The papal visit represents an emotional return to a diocese the pontiff previously led as bishop until 2023.
  • The ceremony provided a public forum for the pontiff to thank supporters following his su…: The ceremony provided a public forum for the pontiff to thank supporters following his surgery for lung cancer.
  • Local reverence for the Pope stems largely from his past work aiding migrants, running so…: Local reverence for the Pope stems largely from his past work aiding migrants, running soup kitchens, and dissolving the Sodalitium group.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

- Published

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.

The ceremony was held on Friday at a park in Pimentel, about 10km (six miles) from Chiclayo in northern Peru as part of his tour of Latin America.

The Vatican estimates more than 1.5 million people gathered to welcome the pontiff.

"Thank you for your affection, support and prayers," the Pope told followers.

"Especially for my health during this time of trial which, with God's help, I am overcoming," he added, referencing the surgery he had for lung cancer which took place just weeks ago.

Some of the crowd arrived 12 hours in advance to wait in vigil before the mass began.

"We spent the night praying, alongside family, excited to welcome the Pope from Chiclayo," said Isa Orderique.

Many came from across Peru and even neighbouring countries to attend.

Merli Cruz Guerrero, from an area near the Ecuadorean border, travelled several hours by bus to attend. She also spent the…

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