Pope Leo XIV receives state welcome in Peru, meets President Fujimori
Pope Leo XIV was welcomed with full state honours by Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori at the Government Palace in Lima on Wednesday, marking his first official engagement during his visit to the country.
The pontiff arrived in the popemobile after travelling through the streets of Lima's historic centre, where he was received by Fujimori at the entrance overlooking Plaza Mayor.
The two leaders walked through the palace courtyard accompanied by military guards before attending a formal welcoming ceremony.
A military band performed Peru's national anthem, which the Pope sang alongside the president on the palace steps. A children's choir also performed during the ceremony, after which Leo XIV approached the children to greet them personally.
The Pope later met government ministers before holding a private discussion with Fujimori lasting approximately 30 minutes.
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Following his visit to the palace, he travelled to the Grand National Theatre for a meeting with government officials, diplomats and representatives of civil society.
The pontiff's itinerary includes a prayer vigil at Lima's National Stadium on Thursday, followed by visits to Chiclayo on Friday and Saturday, where he previously served as bishop and is expected to celebrate large public Masses.
On Sunday, Leo XIV is scheduled to visit Cusco and Pucallpa in the Peruvian Amazon, where he will meet indigenous communities. His visit will conclude on Monday with a farewell Mass in Lima before his departure from Peru.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
