The Pope welcomed in Peru by 3 million faithful: ‘I am returning to my homeland’
Leone XIV in the town where he has lived for over 20 years: ‘Being granted citizenship has created a special bond’
Three million Peruvians welcomed Pope Leo XIVin Lima. A sea of enthusiastic people celebrated the start of the final leg of the papal mission in South America, which lasts six days. “It is a source of profound joy for me to return to Peru. This return has a very special meaning for me. I am returning to my homeland,” said the Pontiff, who lived in the Andean country on several occasions as a priest for over 20 years from 1985 onwards, and was also granted citizenship. “To love a people,” he added, “means wishing that everyone may live among them with dignity.”
Prevost: ‘A special bond through citizenship’
‘Many people opened the doors of their homes to me, shared their table with me – and, of course, some delicious ceviche – and made me feel one of them. In 2015, I was granted Peruvian citizenship. That gesture symbolised a bond that this people had forged in my life for a very long time. I return as the Successor of Peter to serve the universal Church,” said the Pope.
‘The regions of Peru preserve their own traditions, and each one contributes something different to national life. The unity of a people is strengthened when these differences find their place and each person contributes by drawing on their own history and convictions,” continued Pope Prevost, who believes that love for one’s homeland “is manifested, first and foremost, in caring for those who live there. To love a people means wanting everyone to be able to live among them with dignity, taking an interest in them and being willing to give of oneself for their good. It is a sentiment that I have come to understand better thanks to you and which today,” he emphasised, “I wish to share with those who hold public office.”
Fujimori: ‘May this visit bring about national reconciliation’
President Keiko Fujimori emphasised in her official address that ‘his visit’ brings about ‘national reconciliation’.‘You know the soul of the Peruvian people better than anyone,’ said the President as she welcomed the Pope at the Teatro Nacional in Lima, ‘and you know our capacity to move forward, but to do so we need to reconcile: we need peace to face our future. These are days of celebration and spirituality for all Peruvians. I hope that reconciliation will be a gift to us all’.
