Pope Leo XIV Confirms Visit to Peru: Which Cities Will the Pontiff Visit?

The Vatican has confirmed the pontiff’s visit, during which he will travel to four cities as part of his apostolic journey through Peru.

It’s official! Pope Leo XIV will visit Peru in November 2026, as confirmed by the Vatican. The pontiff plans to visit four cities during his apostolic journey. This visit holds great emotional significance, as the current pontiff—Robert Prevost before his election—lived and worked in Peru for more than two decades.

The itinerary includes a seven-day visit, from November 11 to 17. According to the Holy See, the papal journey will include scheduled stops in four cities: Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco, and Pucallpa.

What Will He Do in Each Region?

As expected, Lima will be the starting point and the center of operations, with the pontiff staying at the Apostolic Nunciature.

The stop in Chiclayo promises to be the most emotional moment of the tour. Pope Leo XIV himself fondly recalled Lambayeque’s cuisine and expressed his enthusiasm about reuniting with the people there. This bond is so strong that, on the day of his election in St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff chose to address his first words in Spanish specifically to his fondly remembered Diocese of Chiclayo.

Given the great anticipation surrounding his visit, authorities in Lambayeque are already preparing for his return. Regional Tourism Manager Félix Mio confirmed that a 3,000-hectare site on the Reque plains will be used for a large open-air Mass. A 100-by-100-meter main altar will be built at this major venue, designed to accommodate a massive choir and thousands of guests from the Episcopal Conference.

The agenda between the Peruvian government and the Holy See will address urgent human and environmental issues. In addition, the close relationship between Pope Leo XIV and Peru will help strengthen ties in support of the faith and Peru.

Previous Visits by a Pontiff

The last visit by a pontiff to Peru was in 2018, when then-Pope Francis visited Lima, Trujillo, and Puerto Maldonado from January 18 to 21. On that occasion, the country welcomed more than 800,000 domestic and international visitors, generating more than US$88 million in revenue.

Previously, Pope Juan Pablo II visited Peru in February 1985 and again in May 1988.