Peruvian authorities have confirmed that the formal invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit Peru in 2026 has already been issued and that the Holy See has shown a positive response, although no specific date has been set for the Pontiff’s arrival on South American soil.
Peru’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugo de Zela, stated in an interview that the invitation was sent to the Vatican on January 7, 2026, and that, according to official communications, the Pope “does want to come to Peru” this year, although no concrete schedule has been established. De Zela indicated that the plans point to the visit taking place after the general elections that will be held in the country during the first semester of 2026.
Expectations and official statements
The Vatican’s response has been described as favorable by the Peruvian government, which reiterated the invitation also through the President of the Republic. According to the head of Peruvian diplomacy, the Holy See has confirmed that Pope Leo XIV “has decided to come” to the country, although neither the route nor the official dates of the trip have been confirmed yet.
For his part, the president of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference, Mons. Carlos García Camader—who accompanied the diplomatic management—previously stated that, given the historical and pastoral circumstances, the Pope could visit Peru “in the second semester of 2026”, although without ruling out the possibility of subsequent adjustments.
A desire with pastoral roots
The bond between Leo XIV and Peru is deep. Before being elected Pontiff, the then Monsignor Robert Prevost served as a missionary and bishop in various regions of the country, especially in Chiclayo, where he left a significant pastoral mark—and some controversy, let’s not forget. His experience in Peru has not only marked his personal profile but has also fueled the expectations of Peruvian faithful regarding a possible pastoral visit.
Peru’s ambassador to the Holy See, Jorge Ponce, also assured that the formal requirements for the visit are already met and that the Pope himself has shown interest in making the trip, although logistical and protocol planning is still underway. According to his statement, the visit could even coincide with important celebrations for the Peruvian Church, such as Advent or the closing of the jubilee year for the 300th anniversary of the canonization of Saint Toribio de Mogrovejo.