VIDEO: Leo XVI 'invades' flight cabin and thanks aviation workers upon arriving in Peru

Pope Leo XIV had a curious moment during his arrival in Lima, Peru, on Wednesday (11).

From inside the plane's cockpit, the pontiff greeted the professionals in the control tower and began his message by introducing himself: "I am Pope Leo."

The pontiff thanked the workers of the Peruvian Corporation of Airports and Commercial Aviation (CORPAC), responsible for air navigation services in the country.

"I want to express my gratitude to all the aeronautics workers at CORPAC, in Lima and throughout the country. I am very happy to return to Peru; thank you very much for all your attention," he said.

On the other side of the line, Leo XIV received a warm welcome.

"Welcome, Holy Father. Peru welcomes you with great joy. Thank you for returning to this land, which holds you in your heart, and for sharing your message of faith and hope with our people. Holy Father, welcome to Peruvian territory", he replied.

Pope "returns home" and arrives in Chiclayo

After meeting with the president of Peru, Keiko Fujimori, and gathering millions of faithful in Lima, Leo XIV headed to Chiclayo, the city where he lived for almost eight years and built a close relationship with the population.

Born in the USA as Robert Prevost, the pontiff was a missionary in Peru for almost 20 years, a country in which he became a bishop and received local citizenship.

The visit has a special meaning for him, as he considers Peru his homeland.

The pontiff's first appointment is scheduled for 10:30 am local time, 12:30 pm in Brasília, with the celebration of a mass on the Pampas de Pimentel esplanade, in the Lambayeque region.