PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV returns to his former diocese of Chiclayo, Peru

Pope Leo XIV returned to Chiclayo, Peru, on Nov. 13, visiting the South American diocese he led for nearly a decade and celebrating Mass there as pope for the first time.

The Holy Father led the Chiclayo Diocese from 2015 to 2023 before then-Pope Francis appointed him as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. The pope has referred to Peru as his “homeland”; prior to leading the Diocese of Chiclayo he served as a missionary there for years.

Here are photos of Pope Leo in Chiclayo on Nov. 13:

Peruvian dancers perform for Pope Leo XIV upon his arrival in Chiclayo, Peru, Nov. 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media

Peruvian dancers perform for Pope Leo XIV upon his arrival in Chiclayo, Peru, Nov. 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV greets Catholics upon his arrival in Chiclayo, Peru, Nov. 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV waves to crowds while arriving for Mass near Chiclayo, Peru, Nov. 13, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

Pope Leo XIV waves while processing into Mass near Chiclayo, Peru, Nov. 13, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

Pope Leo XIV processes into Mass near Chiclayo, Peru, Nov. 13, 2026. |…