CHICLAYO, Peru — Pope Leo XIV prayed for an end to the escalating violence gripping Peru, highlighting the nation’s deep security crisis during a poignant visit to his former diocese and cathedral.
During his visit to the Cathedral of St. Mary in Chiclayo, the Pope entrusted his pontificate to the Virgin Mary in a solemn ceremony. He subsequently traveled by helicopter to Santa Cruz de Succhabamba, a remote community nestled in the lush green mountains 150 kilometers (93 miles) away, demonstrating his commitment to reaching the peripheries.
The Pope, formerly Bishop Robert Prevost, is deeply beloved in the region for his hands-on pastoral approach. Known for personally driving his pickup truck along difficult roads to reach isolated, impoverished communities, he exemplified the shepherd’s duty to reach every flock. “We all know the pope’s love of cars,” said the Rev. Kevin Noriega, director of pastoral services, noting his willingness to travel anywhere to serve his people.
Before departing Chiclayo, Leo led a special prayer at the cathedral where he served as bishop from 2014 to 2023. He spoke of a “darkness” enveloping Peru, driven by surging crime and political instability. Official statistics highlight the severity of the crisis: the homicide rate has nearly doubled over the past five years, rising from 5.8 to 10.7 per 100,000 people, while reports of extortion skyrocketed from 2,421 in 2019 to over 26,000 in 2025.
“We feel threatened by the uncertainty of widespread violence and by the unspeakable suffering that continues to afflict so many of our brothers and sisters,” the Pope declared. “Yet, despite this darkness, which so often dims our hope and weakens our trust, God’s gift continues to shine before our eyes.”
The pervasive sense of insecurity has become the paramount concern for Peruvians, heavily influencing the outcome of the recent presidential election. Conservative President Keiko Fujimori, who took office in July on a promise to restore order, has declared multiple states of emergency, including in Lima and in high-security prisons housing members of organized criminal networks.
Fujimori has also strengthened bilateral ties with Washington, integrating Peru into the “Shield of the Americas,” a U.S.-led regional coalition aimed at conducting joint military operations against drug cartels. Ahead of the Pope’s visit, she toured El Salvador’s notorious CECOT maximum-security prison, a model she expressed interest in replicating.
In Santa Cruz de Succhabamba, the Pope addressed the direct impact of violence on local parishioners, warning against the temptation of responding to injustice with brutality. “Selfishness, injustice and evil are not overcome by violence, but by prayer, patience, and perseverance in denouncing what is wrong,” he urged the crowd.
The Pope has also condemned the rising tide of gender-based violence in Peru, calling out the deeply ingrained “machismo” culture. Between 2016 and 2024, Peru recorded 1,261 femicide victims, with the annual figure rising by 44% over the period.
As the country continues to grapple with illegal gold mining and its status as the world’s second-largest producer of coca leaves, the Pope is scheduled to meet with Amazonian and Indigenous leaders on Sunday to address these pressing environmental and social issues. He will celebrate a final Mass in Lima on Monday before returning to the Vatican.
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