BREAKING Pope Leo XIV's Spectacular Welcome in Peru with 3 Million Cheering their Citizen with Music, Chants, and Cries of Joy!

Three Million Greet Pope Leo XIV in Lima as Apostolic Journey Reaches Final Leg

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Peru on the third and final leg of his apostolic journey to Latin America, greeted by an estimated three million people lining the streets of Lima.

His Aerolíneas Argentinas Airbus A330-200—having departed Buenos Aires at 2:38 p.m. local time—touched down at Callao Air Base (Air Group No. 8 of the Peruvian Air Force) at 5:01 p.m. Upon landing, the air traffic control tower welcomed the Pontiff over the radio:

"Peru rises today to welcome you and joyfully say, as Psalm 118 says: 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.' Peruvians eagerly await what God will accomplish through you, the words that will touch so many hearts, and the message that will help us turn our gaze once again to Jesus. May your visit strengthen our faith and encourage us to live a little more like Jesus. Welcome home."

Official Arrival at Callao Air Base

On the tarmac, Pope Leo XIV was officially received by Peruvian President Keiko Sofía Fujimori Higuchi, Foreign Minister Carlos Espá, and the Commander-in-Chief of the No. 2 Air Wing, Julio César Gutiérrez Gonzales. Two children presented the Pontiff with bouquets of flowers as the 27-member Sinfonía por el Perú children's choir—founded by renowned tenor Juan Diego Flórez—performed in the background.

After pausing to greet the faithful gathered at the base, the Pope and President Fujimori Higuchi held a brief private meeting in the airport's VIP Room.

The Motorcade to Casa Pizarro

Following the airport reception, the Pontiff traveled roughly 20 kilometers from Callao to the Palacio de Gobierno (Casa Pizarro), the official residence of the Peruvian president and seat of the executive branch. Transferring to the popemobile for the final stretch, Leo XIV was met by a crowd of approximately three million people filling the avenues, balconies, rooftops, and Lima’s central Plaza de Armas.

State Welcoming Ceremony

At the Government Palace, the formal welcoming ceremony included full military honors:

• Honors & Tributes: The Bishop of Rome paid homage to the Peruvian flag while historic units of the Armed Forces and National Police stood at attention, accompanied by a 21-chime peal from the bells of Lima Cathedral.

• National Anthems: Standing on the central steps facing the Patio de Honor, Leo XIV and President Fujimori Higuchi listened as the National Children's Choir of Peru performed the national anthems, with the Pontiff joining in to sing the Peruvian anthem.

• Delegations & Talks: The two leaders then entered the main atrium to introduce their respective delegations before retiring to the Ambassadors' Hall for a second private meeting.