Pope laments violence enveloping Peru as he ministers in his former diocese

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Pope Leo XIV prayed for an end to the violence ravaging Peru, addressing one of his adopted homeland’s most pressing concerns from his former cathedral

Pope Leo XIV prayed for an end to the violence ravaging Peru, addressing one of his adopted homeland’s most pressing concerns from his former cathedral

CHICLAYO, Peru -- CHICLAYO, Peru (AP) — Pope Leo XIV prayed Saturday for an end to the violence ravaging Peru, addressing one of his adopted homeland’s most pressing concerns during visits to his former cathedral and a remote community in his former diocese.

At Chiclayo’s cathedral, Leo entrusted his pontificate to the Virgin Mary in a special ceremony before traveling to Santa Cruz de Succhabamba, nestled in lush green mountains near the diocese’s outer reaches.

He traveled by helicopter to the city, 150 kilometers (93 miles) from central Chiclayo and 2,035 meters (6,675 feet) above sea level. The journey reflected his belief that shepherds must reach the peripheries to minister to their flocks.

Leo, formerly Robert Prevost, is beloved in the region for venturing beyond the sacristy to serve poor, outlying communities. As bishop, he would make the difficult drive to Santa Cruz de Succhabamba himself in his pickup truck.

“We all know the pope’s love of cars,” the Rev. Kevin Noriega, who oversees pastoral services, said before Mass. “He would drive everywhere.”

Before leaving, Leo led a special prayer at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Chiclayo, where he served as bishop from 2014 to 2023. He spoke of the “darkness” enveloping Peru, referring to rising crime amid political instability.

The homicide rate has nearly doubled over the past five years, from 5.8 to 10.7 per 100,000 people. Reports of extortion increased from 2,421 in 2019 to 26,734 in 2025, according to official data.

“We feel threatened by the uncertainty of widespread violence and by the unspeakable suffering that continues to afflict so many of our brothers and sisters,” Leo said in the cathedral. “Yet, despite this darkness, which so often dims our hope and weakens our trust, God’s gift continues to shine before our eyes.”

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