The Peruvian city that has embraced Pope Leo as one of its own

Pope Leo XIV has celebrated mass near the Peruvian city where he made his name as a compassionate bishop who worked closely with poor and migrant communities. The ceremony was held on Friday at a park in Pimentel, about 10km (six miles) from Chiclayo in northern Peru as part of his tour of Latin America. "Especially for my health during this time of trial which, with God's help, I am overcoming," he added, referencing the surgery he had for lung cancer which took place just weeks ago .

Merli Cruz Guerrero, from an area near the Ecuadorean border, travelled several hours by bus to attend. She also spent the entire night waiting. For many living here, the fact that the Pope worked extensively in this region before becoming the head of the Catholic Church has put them in the spotlight.

"The Pope has come home and Chiclayo is celebrating," said Lisbeth Díaz, a teacher who worked with Pope Leo when he served as the city's bishop between 2015 and 2023.