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PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV returns to Peru where he once served as bishop

Peruvian dancers perform for Pope Leo XIV during a meeting with civil leaders on Nov. 11, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media
Peruvian dancers perform for Pope Leo XIV during a meeting with civil leaders on Nov. 11, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV spent his first full day in Peru on Nov. 12 meeting with Church leaders and Peruvian citizens, marking an emotional return to the country he called home for years prior to his papacy.

The Holy Father first began serving in Peru in 1985 as Father Robert Prevost. He would remain in the country for years in various roles, eventually being named as the bishop of Chiclayo in 2015.

Leo will spend several days in Peru, concluding his historic South American papal trip there before returning to Rome. He previously visited Uruguay and Argentina as part of the journey.

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. 12, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News/Pool
Pope Leo XIV meets with Peruvian bishops on Nov. 12, 2026, at the archbishop’s palace in Lima, Peru. | Credit: Vatican Media
Pope Leo XIV meets with Peruvian bishops on Nov. 12, 2026, at the archbishop’s palace in Lima, Peru. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News/Pool
Pope Leo XIV meets with Peruvian bishops on Nov. 12, 2026, at the archbishop’s palace in Lima, Peru. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News/Pool
Pope Leo XIV delivers his homily during the midday prayer at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist in Lima, Peru, Nov. 12, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News
Pope Leo XIV takes part in a midday prayer at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist in Lima, Peru, Nov. 12, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News
Pope Leo XIV listens during a public meeting with leaders and citizens on the challenges and hopes of the Peruvian people in Lima, Peru, Nov. 12, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News
Pope Leo XIV arrives at National Stadium in Lima, Peru, for a prayer vigil with youth on Nov. 12, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News
Pope Leo XIV waves to Catholics at National Stadium in Lima, Peru, during a prayer vigil with youth on Nov. 12, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News
Pope Leo XIV grows emotional during a prayer vigil with youth at National Stadium in Lima, Peru, on Nov. 12, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

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