Pope Leo, 14 meter high statue under construction in Peru for the apostolic journey. PHOTO

IN PERU A STATUE DEDICATED TO POPE LEO XIV

Work is underway in Peru on the construction of a 14 meter high statue dedicated to Pope Leo XIV. The project will be built in the city of Callao, near Lima, and should be completed by the end of October, in view of the Pontiff's apostolic trip to the South American country, scheduled for November.

WHAT STAGE IS THE WORK AT

According to local media, the work is more than 45% complete. The statue will be placed within a green area of ​​the city, in Gaelito Park, where preparations for its installation are underway.

THE HYPOTHESIS OF A BLESSING FROM THE POPE

The mayor of Callao, César Pérez, explained that contacts are underway with the ecclesiastical authorities to organize a visit by the Pope to the monument. The administration's hope is that the Pope will be able to bless the statue during his stay in Peru. At the moment, however, the ceremony has not been confirmed in the official program of the apostolic journey.

THE BOND BETWEEN POPE LEO XIV AND CALLAO

The choice of Callao as the location for the monument is linked to the Pope's past. Before his election, Robert Francis Prevost held the position of apostolic administrator of the diocese of Callao between 2020 and 2021.

THE MAYOR'S APPEAL: "WE PRAY FOR THE POPE"

Yesterday, during the presentation of the project, Mayor Pérez made an appeal to the inhabitants of Callao and the rest of the Peruvian population. “With his imminent arrival, we ask you to pray that our Pope will come through this surgery well and be able to visit Peru,” he said.

THE PERUVIAN CHURCH DISCONSTRAINED BY THE POPE'S DIAGNOSIS

The archdiocese of Lima said it was "dismayed" by the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma of Pope Leo XIV, who underwent surgery yesterday in Rome for the removal of the lower lobe of the right lung. The Peruvian Church has called for caution regarding the hypotheses of a possible cancellation or postponement of the apostolic trip scheduled for November.

THE APOSTOLIC JOURNEY REMAINS CONFIRMED

“It is important to avoid rumors and speculation about possible changes to the trip,” Juan José Dioses, spokesperson for the archdiocese, told Infobae. Dioses recalled that the visit to South America, which also includes Uruguay and Argentina, remains confirmed at the moment. The apostolic journey is scheduled from 6 to 17 November.

THE PERUVIAN FAITHFUL READY TO WAIT THE POPE

"The health of the Holy Father is a priority," added Dioses, assuring that the Peruvian faithful are ready to wait as long as necessary to welcome him.

IN PERU ROSARIES AND PRAYER VIGALS FOR THE POPE

Throughout yesterday, in all the parishes of the country the faithful prayed, organized rosaries and vigils in favor of the Pope. "The Bishops of Peru invite all people of good will to offer their prayers for Pope Leo XIV. We unite in communion, placing ourselves in the hands of God together with the Holy Father", we read in a note.

THE MESSAGE FROM KEIKO FUJIMORI

The president of Peru, Keiko Fujimori, has publicly expressed the nation's closeness to Pope Leo XIV. Urging the population to form a "great prayer chain", the president invoked the Lord of Miracles to accompany the pontiff in this complicated moment to allow him to recover quickly. "Holy Father, you embrace this land, which is also your home, with immense affection", concluded the president.