VATICAN CITY (AP) – On Saturday, Peru's ambassador to the Holy See, Jorge Ponce San Roman, made a public invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit Peru, indicating that 2026 will be a significant year for the pontiff’s travel plans. As plans are underway for major trips to Africa and South America, the ambassador's outreach highlights the increasing anticipation for Leo’s potential visits to his second homeland.
In recent days, the president of Equatorial Guinea and the Vatican ambassador in Angola have confirmed that preparations are being made for a papal visit this year. Alongside these efforts, there are also discussions about possible stops in Cameroon and Algeria. Although specific dates have yet to be announced, Vatican officials suggest that the four-country visit to Africa may occur sometime after Easter.
Pope Leo has expressed a desire for his second trip as pope to focus on Africa, particularly Algeria. This location holds special significance for Leo’s Augustinian religious order and is a vital point for fostering Christian-Muslim relations, which the Vatican is eager to emphasize. Furthermore, the pontiff has voiced hopes of visiting three Latin American countries—Argentina, Uruguay, and Peru—in either 2026 or 2027. This is particularly meaningful for Argentina, which has eagerly awaited a papal visit since Pope Francis did not return after his election in 2013.
During a ceremony in the Vatican gardens on Saturday, held to inaugurate a new mosaic and statue dedicated to the Virgin Mary—sponsored by Peru—Ambassador Ponce invited Pope Leo to visit his country. The event was well-attended by Peru's bishops, and Ponce expressed the hope of seeing Pope Leo very soon in Peru.
Though Pope Leo did not specifically respond to the invitation, he took the opportunity to reflect on his fondness for Peru, stating, "such a beloved country to me." Notably, in a departure from usual protocol, he stayed for a buffet lunch organized by the Peruvian Embassy for the gathered diplomats and Vatican officials. For about an hour, he enjoyed the company of Ambassador Ponce and the Peruvian bishops in a shaded area where caterers were preparing traditional Peruvian dishes such as pisco sour cocktails and ravioli with huancaina, a typical Peruvian creamy sauce.
Despite occasional rain, the atmosphere of the gathering was joyful and relaxed, and Pope Leo's extended presence conveyed a sense of comfort among those who shared a bond with him through their Peruvian heritage. This event not only served as a significant cultural moment for those present but also reinforced the potential for future visits, further uniting the pontiff with his second home.
