South America trip: Pope back in second home Peru - reminder for dialogue

Hundreds of thousands of people greet “their” Pope Leo XIV on the streets of Lima. The American native is touched - but also finds clear words.

Pope Leo XIV is back in Peru, where he worked as a missionary and bishop for two decades.

Lima. On his return to his second home Peru, Pope Leo XIV called on the South American country's divided political camps to engage in dialogue. Numerous problems for the population can best be solved through dialogue and cooperation, said the head of the Catholic Church after his arrival in the capital Lima. Before his election as pope, the American-born man lived in Peru for two decades as a missionary and bishop.

The country of 35 million people notoriously suffers from political instability. Leo was met at the airport by right-wing President Keiko Fujimori. The daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori is already the ninth head of state in ten years.

Hundreds of thousands on the streets

On the way into the city, hundreds of thousands cheered the Pope on the side of the road. Many Peruvians hope that the visit of “their” Pope will bring better times. Leo also has a Peruvian passport from his years as a bishop.

At a reception in the National Theater, the 71-year-old expressed “deep gratitude for returning to my homeland.” “Today I understand how much of this country lives on in me and how much of my own history also belongs to you.”

But Leo also didn't miss the opportunity to send words of warning to the Peruvian parties. “I would like to encourage everyone to cultivate honesty, integrity and willingness to meet.” He called on politicians to overcome divides. “Democracy in action means recognizing that no one has all the answers and that different views do not conflict with a sincere shared concern for the well-being of the country.” Fujimori narrowly defeated a left-wing candidate in this year's election.