Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit Peru from November 6 to 17, marking the third stop on his Apostolic Journey to Latin America, following visits to Uruguay and Argentina. As Vatican News - English reported, the upcoming visit is generating a mix of anticipation and sorrow across the multi-ethnic nation, particularly after the death of Archbishop Richard Daniel Alarcón Urrutia of Cusco on October 30.
Pope Leo XIV, an Augustinian, previously served as a missionary in Peru's Piura region and Trujillo during the 1980s and 1990s. His ties to the country continued with his appointment as Bishop of Chiclayo in 2015 by Pope Francis, and five years later, as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Callao. The pontiff has maintained a close connection to Peru, a nation he reportedly never forgot even after his election to the papacy, and is widely referred to as the “Peruvian” Pope by its people.
Amidst a festive atmosphere building for the papal arrival, the country is also grappling with the loss of Archbishop Alarcón Urrutia. Archbishop Lizardo Estrada Herrera, who was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Cusco by Pope Leo XIV on August 29 and serves as Secretary General of the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (CELAM), conveyed his reflections on his predecessor and the Pope’s visit to Vatican media outlets.
Archbishop Estrada Herrera, an Augustinian religious originally from Apurímac, described Archbishop Alarcón Urrutia as a pastor deeply committed to the people, humble, and austere in his lifestyle. He recalled his predecessor's dedication to integral evangelization, his concern for the poorest and most vulnerable through Caritas Cusco, and his focus on justice, peace, and care for Creation from the outset of his episcopal ministry. Archbishop Alarcón Urrutia was also noted for his extensive collaboration with the Peruvian Episcopal Conference, especially in healthcare ministry, liturgy, and the synodal process.
Other significant aspects of Archbishop Alarcón Urrutia’s service included the formation of priests, strengthening the clergy within the metropolitan archdiocese of Cusco, and promoting popular piety and support for local communities. He dedicated efforts to consolidating parishes and maintaining churches, paid particular attention to young people, and supported synodal processes at all levels. In his final days, Archbishop Alarcón Urrutia was actively coordinating preparatory arrangements for Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Cusco, collaborating with the Vatican delegation and government authorities.
Archbishop Estrada Herrera affirmed his commitment to carrying forward the legacy and approved initiatives from the Pastoral Plan of the Archdiocese of Cusco. He plans to continue emphasizing a pastoral approach that attends to the human person holistically across evangelization areas and strengthening the synodal process that Archbishop Alarcón Urrutia strongly supported.
Peru, as described by Archbishop Estrada Herrera, is a country with persistent poverty, particularly in the Andean and Amazonian regions, and faces challenges such as fragile democracy, uneven access to education, inadequate healthcare in remote areas, corruption, and political polarization. Despite these difficulties, the nation possesses strong faith and popular piety, marked by solidarity among its poorest citizens and a resilient spirit. Peruvians, united like a family, are eagerly anticipating the Pope’s arrival, viewing him as a brother and the Vicar of Christ, seeking his blessing for their families, work, and future.
Within this context, the Church in Peru is active in both geographical and existential peripheries, accompanying those who suffer and advocating for the voiceless. It actively promotes the synodal journey, striving to be a Church that listens, dialogues, and remains open to the Holy Spirit, while also creating more space for the laity and young people. The Church is dedicated to integral evangelization and strengthening its Social Doctrine, with bishops meeting biannually to reflect and issue guidance on social life, pastoral ministry, liturgy, and catechesis. This ongoing effort to renew and respond to contemporary challenges through the Gospel is expected to receive renewed momentum from Pope Leo XIV’s visit. His presence is seen as crucial for fostering unity, guiding towards the common good and peace through justice, enhancing the formation of clergy and laypeople, and reinforcing the Church’s role as being close to all, serving the poor, and attentive to Creation.
The relationship between laypeople and the Church in Peru is characterized by strong popular piety, expressed through various traditions such as annual processions and pilgrimages that unite people across the country. Peruvians generally hold the Church as a trusted institution, valuing its closeness and social work.
