Photos: Pope Leo visits Peru’s Amazon and Andean regions during 12-day tour | Religion News
Pope Leo XIV Concludes Latin America Tour with Visits to Peru’s Andean Highlands and Amazon
Pope Leo XIV wrapped up the final full day of his Latin America tour on Sunday, traveling through Peru’s Andean highlands and the Amazon region. His trip has included stops in Uruguay and Argentina, culminating in a busy agenda in Peru.
During the morning, the pontiff visited the historic city of Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, where he delivered a speech at the Indigenous fortress of Saqsaywaman. In his remarks, Leo celebrated the area’s vibrant traditional festivities and the intermingling of Indigenous and Catholic spirituality.
“The future of these traditions lies not only in preserving what has been handed down, but also in passing it on in a living way,” he said, addressing the crowd that filled Cusco’s central Plaza de Armas.
Born in the United States, Leo became a Peruvian citizen in 2015 after years of living in the country. He later served as bishop of Chiclayo, a major northern city. His elevation to the papacy marks him as the first Peruvian citizen to hold the position.
The visit to Cusco, situated at an altitude of 3,400 meters (over 11,000 feet), posed a challenge for the 71-year-old pope, who is recovering from lung cancer surgery. However, he has demonstrated resilience throughout the 12-day, three-nation tour, which commenced on November 6.
In the afternoon, Leo traveled to Pucallpa, a city located near Peru’s eastern border along the Ucayali River, often regarded as a gateway to the Amazon. While in Pucallpa, he emphasized the importance of environmental protection, reinforcing the teachings of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Leo also addressed the dangerous conditions faced by Indigenous land defenders advocating against deforestation, pollution, and forced displacement. “Many Indigenous leaders have been murdered for defending their territories,” he said. “The blood of these brothers cries out to God and demands justice.”
Indigenous communities in the region have faced long-standing threats from illegal mining and deforestation, contributing to a water crisis marked by contamination and heavy metal poisoning risks.
Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to return to Rome on Monday.
