PERU · GOVERNMENT
Key Facts
- —What happened: Peru’s government transferred S/63.2 million (about US$18.8 million) to the Foreign Ministry to fund Pope Leo XIV’s visit.
- —How big: He is scheduled to visit Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco and Pucallpa from November 11 to 16, 2026.
- —What it means: Leo XIV, the first American pope ever, also holds Peruvian citizenship and once led Chiclayo’s diocese.
- —The catch: The decree limits the money to “goods and services” for the visit, barring any other use.
- —Who it affects: The Chiclayo-area Mass alone is expected to draw more than one million pilgrims, regional officials say.
Peru is spending nearly US$19 million to welcome home the first American pope, who once served as bishop of Chiclayo.
Peru’s government has transferred S/63.2 million (about US$18.8 million) to the Foreign Ministry. The money will help pay for Pope Leo XIV’s first visit home to Peru.
Leo XIV is the first American pope in history. He also holds Peruvian citizenship and once served as bishop of Chiclayo.
A Bishop Peru Calls Its Own
He is scheduled to visit Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco and Pucallpa. The trip runs from November 11 to 16, 2026.
Locals call him “the Peruvian pope” after two decades of pastoral work there. He spent eight of those years leading the Chiclayo diocese.
Leo XIV was born Robert Prevost in Chicago, in the United States. He later joined the Augustinian order and worked as a missionary in Peru.
Gulf News reported that many residents in Chiclayo still remember him fondly. They recall his years of pastoral work before he became pope.
The last pope to visit Peru was Francis, back in January 2018. Leo XIV’s return carries deep personal meaning for him.
The Vatican announced the trip on August 5, 2026. It forms part of a wider tour that also includes Uruguay and Argentina.
Lima Funds a Homecoming
The transfer was authorized under Supreme Decree 176-2026-EF, published in Peru’s official gazette. President Keiko Fujimori and Finance Minister Elmer Cuba signed the order.
It draws on the Finance Ministry’s contingency reserve, money set aside for unplanned costs. The decree limits spending to “goods and services” for the visit.
It bars officials from spending the money on anything else. The Foreign Ministry now has five days to detail the breakdown.
This follows an August decree naming the visit a matter of “national interest.” That order set up a high-level commission to coordinate security and transport.
The Foreign Ministry chairs the commission and also acts as its technical secretariat. It expedited customs clearance for equipment needed for the visit.
Officials estimate the visit could generate S/150 million (about US$44.7 million) in economic activity. That includes spending on hotels, restaurants, transport and local crafts.
Peru’s Catholic Church has also launched a national collection. It hopes to help cover the visit’s organizing costs.
Chiclayo Braces for a Record Crowd
The centerpiece Mass will be held outside Chiclayo, at Las Pampas de Pimentel. Regional officials expect more than one million pilgrims to attend.
Chiclayo’s diocese has scheduled the Mass for November 13 and 14. El Tiempo reported that authorities are deploying a special security plan for the crowds.
The Mass will center on the Cross of Motupe, a cross venerated across northern Peru. Devotees consider it one of the region’s most sacred images.
Francis drew large crowds during his 2018 visit to Lima and Puerto Maldonado. Organizers expect Leo XIV’s turnout to be even larger.
A closing Mass is planned for Lima before the pope returns to Rome. That service will close out his six days in the country.
Peru hopes the visit leaves a lasting legacy for religious tourism. Officials want Chiclayo to become an international pilgrimage destination, drawing on Leo XIV’s ties there.
More: Peru news in English, every day from The Rio Times.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money did Peru allocate for Pope Leo XIV’s visit?
Peru’s government transferred S/63.2 million (about US$18.8 million) to the Foreign Ministry to fund the visit.
When is Pope Leo XIV visiting Peru, and which cities will he see?
He is scheduled to visit Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco and Pucallpa from November 11 to 16, 2026.
Why is Chiclayo significant for Pope Leo XIV?
He served eight years as bishop of Chiclayo before his election as pope. Locals there call him “the Peruvian pope.”
What can Peru’s funds be spent on for the visit?
The decree limits the money to “goods and services” for organizing the visit. It bars officials from spending the funds on anything else.
Sources: Agencia Andina, El Comercio Perú, Infobae Perú, RPP Noticias, El Tiempo, CNN.
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