In Lima, a stadium full of young people welcomes Pope Leo home

A countdown clock on the big screens at Lima’s National Stadium kept track of the wait as some of Peru’s best-known songs played and flags from Chile, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil and Ecuador waved above the crowd.

Pope Leo greets the faithful in Peru's National Stadium (VATICAN MEDIA)

The stands were mostly a sea of white. Along the front of the pitch was a thick band of yellow, the colour of the volunteers’ shirts. Amigos de León, they read. Friends of Leo. The volunteers handed out bottles of water with the Pope’s face on them and turquoise glow-in-the-dark bracelets that read Un momento que nos une - a moment that brings us together. Someone had made a huge rosary out of balloons, with a gold balloon for every ten white ones and six more to form the cross.

One of the most moving moments came while the stadium was still waiting for the Pope to arrive. On the screens, a video of photographs traced Robert Prevost’s years in ministry. Over them played the message he recorded in 2023, when Pope Francis called him to Rome to lead the Dicastery for Bishops and he had to say goodbye to Chiclayo. On Thursday evening, thousands listened to that farewell again as they waited to welcome him back. When he finally came into the stadium and made his way around in the popemobile, Pope Leo looked visibly moved.

Stories from the vigil

Among those who spoke was Joao Meza, an 18-year-old medical student from Lima’s Lince district. He told Pope Leo about being mocked at school, feeling alone and wondering whether God had abandoned him. A friendship helped him discover traditional Peruvian dance, and an invitation to dance at his sister’s parish gave him a way back into a community where he felt he could be himself.

Emily Milagros, who helps coordinate youth ministry in the Diocese of Carabayllo, spoke about seeking spiritual support after losing several people close to her. And Ursuline Sister Luzbinda Ramos Zurita, recalling her own grief after her mother’s sudden death, asked Pope Leo what he would say to young people who feel their lives have fallen apart and wonder what they could possibly have to offer.

Goodnight Lima

Later that evening, Pope Leo greeted the faithful gathered outside the Apostolic Nunciature, thanking them for their enthusiasm. Before giving his blessing and wishing them goodnight, he prayed that they would open their hearts to God’s word and remain united as brothers and sisters in Christ.

From the Cathedral to Chiclayo

Earlier on Thursday, Pope Leo met Peru’s bishops at the Archbishop’s Palace, where he urged them to combine fidelity to Church teaching with closeness to the people they serve. He then celebrated Daytime Prayer in Lima’s Cathedral, calling on the Church in Peru to foster reconciliation and to have the humility to ask forgiveness for the wounds it has caused.

In the Cathedral square, he listened to four testimonies on the pressures facing families, cultural diversity, violence against women and the insecurity confronting workers and small business owners. His appeal was direct. “Let us value women. Let us protect and respect girls.”

On Friday, Pope Leo returns to Chiclayo, the diocese he once led. He will celebrate Mass in Pimentel, make a private visit to the San Óscar Romero Chapel and meet members of the local Church and university community.

Francesca Merlo – Lima, Peru
Source: vaticannews.va/en