Pope Leo XIV Returns to Chiclayo, Peru, Where He Served as Bishop

Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert Prevost, visited Chiclayo, the city in Peru where he served as bishop for eight years. The stop was part of a 12-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, according to The New York Times.

Large crowds lined the streets to welcome him. People waved, held signs and carried white and yellow balloons. The reception was a clear sign of the ties that developed during his years in the city.

As bishop, he led the Catholic church in Chiclayo's diocese, the church district the city anchors. He also became a Peruvian citizen while serving there, a detail that is part of his personal connection to the country.

The link to Chiclayo has been visible since his election as pope. He mentioned his "dear Chiclayo" from the balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square, the main square of the Vatican in Rome, as he addressed the crowd below.