Pope Leo XIV to return to Chiclayo in Peru and the places that shaped his ministry

The Chiclayo Cathedral, a chapel dedicated to St. Nicholas of Tolentino, and the town of Zaña where St. Turibius of Mogrovejo died all have ties to the ministry of the then-Bishop Robert Prevost in the Lambayeque district of northern Peru.

Now, as Pope Leo XIV, he is scheduled to return to the city of Chiclayo on Nov. 13 during his apostolic journey to Peru. He served as bishop there from 2015 to 2023, during which time he traveled to communities across the coastal and highland regions of Lambayeque.

The official program includes events at the Chiclayo Cathedral and the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace as well as events in Pimentel, St. Turibius of Mogrovejo Catholic University, and in Zaña. Some of these locations were part of his ministry; others hold special significance for the history of the Church in the region.

The Chiclayo Cathedral

Facing the city’s main square stands St. Mary’s Cathedral, one of the central hubs of diocesan life during the years Prevost served as bishop and where he celebrated Mass every Sunday as well as other sacraments. The cathedral contains the bishop’s “cathedra” or chair, which symbolizes his governing authority.

During his upcoming visit on Saturday, Nov. 14, Leo XIV will preside over the rite of the coronation of the Immaculate Virgin at the cathedral. In preparation for the celebration, on Oct. 29 the new altar was consecrated and the ambo blessed.

A chapel where he used to pray to St. Nicholas of Tolentino

In the district of San Nicolás, near Zaña, there is a small chapel dedicated to St. Nicholas of Tolentino, an Augustinian friar for whom Leo XIV holds a special devotion.

Father David Farfán Guerrero, a friend of the pope, told EWTN News Español, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News, that Prevost used to go there to pray before the image of the saint. “This is where, as I often say, he ‘put his knees to the test,’” he recalled.

The then-bishop also encouraged pilgrimages of Augustinian novices to the chapel as part of their spiritual formation. Although this site is not listed as a separate stop on the official itinerary, it helps in understanding a devotion that is important to the pontiff.

Zaña and St. Turibius of Mogrovejo

Zaña holds a special place in the life of Leo XIV and of the Church in Peru. It was there that St. Turibius of Mogrovejo died on March 23, 1606, after spending years traveling throughout his vast ecclesiastical jurisdiction. The saint served as archbishop of Lima from 1580 to 1606.

Prevost made a pilgrimage to this town before departing for Rome, following his election as prior general of the Order of St. Augustine. Farfán has noted his particular affection for Zaña and his devotion to St. Turibius, whom he regards as a model for pastoral life.

On Saturday, Nov. 14, Leo XIV will return to the area to take part in a prayer gathering marking the conclusion of the Jubilee Year of St. Turibius of Mogrovejo at the shrine dedicated to the saint.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Peace

At the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace, Robert Prevost entrusted his episcopal ministry to the Virgin Mary, as noted in a handwritten message in the shrine’s guest book dated Oct. 21, 2015.

Furthermore, the then-bishop would frequently visit the shrine to pray and spend time with the religious there. He also took part in meetings and retreats there with priests and would visit the pre-seminary located next to the complex.

On Nov. 13, during his visit to Chiclayo, Leo XIV will meet with bishops, priests, religious, seminarians, and representatives of the Church’s pastoral life at this shrine.

St. Turibius of Mogrovejo Catholic University

The relationship between Leo XIV and St. Turibius Mogrovejo Catholic University (USAT, by its Spanish acronym) is also part of his years in Chiclayo. The institution awarded him an honorary doctorate in law and recognized him as grand chancellor emeritus.

According to the university itself, Prevost received an honorary doctorate in recognition of his accomplishments and service to the Church. In 2023, the Peruvian Bishops’ Conference also awarded him the Gold Medal of St. Turibius of Mogrovejo, one of its highest honors.

On Friday, Nov. 13, he will meet there with representatives of the university community.

Pimentel and Santa Cruz de Succhabamba

The visit will also take the pope to other locations in the region. On Friday, Nov. 13, he will celebrate Mass on the esplanade of the Pimentel plains and make a private visit to St. Óscar A. Romero Chapel.

The following day, he will travel to Santa Cruz de Succhabamba, where he will celebrate another Mass. The town is within the Diocese of Chiclayo, and Prevost visited it regularly between 2015 and 2023. During his time there, he traveled throughout the province, administered the sacrament of confirmation to young people and students, and built and consecrated the shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Remedies in the small rural community of Litcán.

This story was first published by EWTN News Español, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

Source: https://www.ewtnnews.com/world/americas/pope-leo-xiv-to-return-to-chiclayo-in-peru-and-the-places-that-shaped-his-ministry