PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV returns to Peru where he once served as bishop

Pope Leo XIV spent his first full day in Peru on Nov. 12 meeting with Church leaders and Peruvian citizens, marking an emotional return to the country he called home for years prior to his papacy.

The Holy Father first began serving in Peru in 1985 as Father Robert Prevost. He would remain in the country for years in various roles, eventually being named as the bishop of Chiclayo in 2015.

Leo will spend several days in Peru, concluding his historic South American papal trip there before returning to Rome. He previously visited Uruguay and Argentina as part of the journey.

Here are photos of Pope Leo’s activities in Peru:

Pope Leo XIV waves to the crowds gathered outside the archbishop’s palace in Lima, Peru, before meeting with Peruvian bishops on Nov. 12, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News/Pool

Pope Leo XIV meets with Peruvian bishops on Nov. 12, 2026, at the archbishop’s palace in Lima, Peru. | Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV meets with Peruvian bishops on Nov. 12, 2026, at the archbishop’s palace in Lima, Peru. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News/Pool

Pope Leo XIV meets with Peruvian bishops on Nov. 12, 2026, at the archbishop’s…