‘I’m coming to my second home’… Peru excited about Pope's return

A 167m mural and a 14m statue are erected and ready to welcome you.

(Mexico City = Yonhap News) Correspondent Gwang-ho Song = Ahead of Pope Leo

According to local media outlets El Cormesio and La Repubblica on the 6th (local time), the most notable place is Callao, a port city near the capital Lima.

In Callao, a large mural measuring 3 meters high and 167 meters long has been installed, attracting attention.

This mural contains colorful scenes of everyday life, including Callao's sea and port, its patron saint, and the Pope's favorite local food, 'secco de cabrito' (a type of stew made with goat meat).

In particular, a 14-meter-tall statue of the Pope, the largest in Peru, was erected opposite the mural. This is to commemorate his historical achievements as the bishop of the Diocese of Callao from 2020 to 2021.

This large mural and the Pope statue will be officially unveiled to the public through an unveiling ceremony on the 9th. Authorities and residents are speeding up final preparations to make this a historic visit that will forever remain in the memories of Peruvians.

There is also great enthusiasm for participation from the cultural community and the public. The National Radio and Television Corporation (IRTP) recently released video of a large-scale flash mob filmed in Lima's main square.

More than 100 young people, including the 'Aguchita' choir, students of the National Folk College, and parish volunteers, participated and heightened the festive atmosphere by performing lively choreography and singing to the official hymn of the Pope's visit, 'Leo, Brother of the Road'.

The reason why all of Peru is so enthusiastic about the Pope's visit is because of the deep ties that Leo XIV had with Peru.

Leo After first setting foot in Peru in 1985, he mainly traveled between the Vatican and Peru. He was ordained bishop of the Diocese of Chiclayo in northwestern Peru in 2014, and served as bishop of the diocese from 2015 to 2023. He also acquired Peruvian citizenship in 2015.

Meanwhile, Pope Leo

The Pope will begin his schedule in earnest this afternoon with a meeting with government officials and civil society officials at Uruguay's Plaza de la Independence, followed by a meeting with President Yamando Orsi.