The president of Peru\u2019s conference of bishops said a late 2026 papal visit to the country has a probability of approximately 80%.<\/p>\n
Pope Leo XIV could return to Chiclayo \u2014 the diocese where he served as bishop \u2014 during an upcoming visit to Peru, expected to take place between November and the first week of December, a possibility that the president of the Peruvian Bishops\u2019 Conference described as \u201cthe most certain stop\u201d on the highly anticipated itinerary.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe main place he will visit after Lima is Chiclayo. That\u2019s definite, 100%,\u201d said Bishop Carlos Garc\u00eda during a press conference presenting the results of the recent\u00a0ad limina apostolorum visit of the Peruvian bishops to the Vatican, which took place Jan. 26\u201331.<\/p>\n
Although he clarified that the papal visit is still in the planning stages and has a probability of approximately 80%, he emphasized the pontiff\u2019s strong desire to return to the country. \u201cHow much he would like to be in Peru already! Because he loves Peru. He\u2019s eager. His face lit up when we talked to him about it,\u201d Garc\u00eda recounted.<\/p>\n
Garc\u00eda, the president of the country\u2019s bishops\u2019 conference, explained that the possible visit is scheduled for \u201cbetween November and the first week of December,\u201d although he emphasized that the final decision depends on the Holy See organizing it and diplomatic aspects inherent to a state visit.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a whole structure that\u2019s set in motion… it has to go through a dicastery that prepares the visit… now it\u2019s up to those in charge to process and organize it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
In this regard, Garc\u00eda announced that the Church in Peru will begin logistical preparations in March. \u201cStarting in March, we must have the organizing committee for the event established,\u201d he indicated, noting that the work will begin even while awaiting official confirmation.<\/p>\n
Chiclayo, a special place<\/p>\n
The eventual return of Pope Leo XIV to Chiclayo would have strong symbolic value, since he served as bishop there before being elected pope.<\/p>\n
When asked by the media about other possible cities, Garc\u00eda indicated that the rest of the itinerary would depend on the time available and logistical factors. \u201cThe other locations will depend on how many days he has available to visit us… it could be the [Amazon region]… Cusco… but it doesn\u2019t depend entirely on the Holy Father but rather on the time and geographical possibilities,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
However, the bishop reiterated that Chiclayo stands out as a priority destination. \u201cThe most definite place I can tell you right now is Chiclayo,\u201d he affirmed.<\/p>\n
\u2018Peru is in the pope\u2019s heart\u2019<\/p>\n
During the ad limina visit, the bishops held various meetings with the pontiff, including an official meeting and times for fellowship, such as a lunch where \u2014 according to the prelate \u2014 they talked about shared memories and experiences in the country.<\/p>\n
Pope Leo XIV talks with the bishops of Peru at a lunch on Jan. 29, 2026, in Rome. | Credit: Peruvian Bishops\u2019 Conference<\/p>\n
\u201cHe arrived in an atmosphere of such fraternity that we felt like we were in Peru while being in Rome, and the pope felt like he was in Peru while being in Rome,\u201d he recounted.<\/p>\n
Garc\u00eda underscored the pope\u2019s deep spiritual connection with the country. \u201cPeru is in the pope\u2019s heart.\u201d He added that Leo XIV keeps an image of the Lord of Miracles with him, which he uses during his daily prayers before Mass.<\/p>\n
A visit marked by hope<\/p>\n
The head of the Peruvian Bishops\u2019 Conference noted that the pope\u2019s desire to return to Peru stems from his closeness to the people and his interest in strengthening faith and hope amid the current social and political challenges.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe wants to come to Peru because he loves Peru… there is a sense of gratitude towards Peru… and also a desire to strengthen us in hope and renew the love he has always shown us,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the bishops returned from Rome, as he stated, \u201cwith hearts full of gratitude, renewed in faith and strengthened in our pastoral mission,\u201d after a visit he described as \u201ca true time of grace, blessing, and discernment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Finally, he invited the entire country to prepare spiritually for the possible papal visit. \u201cWe are not going to prepare for this or that specific location; we are going to prepare for a visit to Peru,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
This story\u00a0was first published\u00a0by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.<\/p>\n