Thousands of faithful paid tribute on Saturday evening during a mass on the forecourt of the cathedral of Chiclayo, in northern Peru, at Pope Leon XIV, who was bishop of the diocese.
“The city of friendship, the city of the Eucharist, accompanied the Holy Father Léon XIV in its pilgrimage so that it can now gather and guide the Universal Church from Chiclayo, Latin America, the continent of hope for the whole world,” launched the current bishop of the diocese, Edinson Farfan, faced with a compact crowd.
Robert Francis Prevost, born in the United States, made different long stays in the Andean country, whose nationality he obtained in 2015, becoming Archbishop-Bishop Emeritus of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023.
“Papa Amigo, Chiclayo Esta Contigo (Pope Friend, Chiclayo is with you)”, have repeatedly chanted the faithful, applauding in the jubilation.
Surrounded by dozens of priests, Mgr Farfan underlined “the proximity” of the sovereign pontiff “with the poor, the most vulnerable, those who suffer, the migrants, the refugees, it is a man deeply sensitive to social justice”, before launching an invitation to him.
Léon XIV “deeply loved” Chiclayo “that he always carries in his heart and we will not fail to invite him to visit us,” he said.
“His holiness Léon XIV is a prepared, balanced pontiff, with a government capacity, but especially with a big heart, open to welcome everyone,” continued the bishop.
The mass, broadcast on two giant screens, brought together several thousand people from all over the vast diocese in front of the entirely illuminated Santa Maria cathedral.
“Like all Chiclayens, we are very happy to know that the current Pope is now one of ours,” said Maria Elena Laboriano, 45, on the front line to attend the celebration.
“I feel immense joy, an overflowing joy because we had a priest who identified himself with all the people in the good as in bad times,” said Noemi Pardo, 50, a broad smile.
During his first speech to the Vatican on Thursday, in Italian, the new 69 -year -old sovereign pontiff briefly praised in Spanish his “dear diocese of Chiclayo”, paying tribute to his “faithful people”.
