Pope Leo greets faithful at parish in Santa Cruz and asks for prayers

Before celebrating Mass in Santa Cruz de Succhabamba, Peru, Pope Leo XIV visits the local parish, assuring those who are ill of the Church’s closeness and inviting them to pray for him and for all who need God’s help.

Pope Leo XIV visits the parish of Santa Cruz and greets the faithful (VATICAN MEDIA)

Before celebrating Mass in Santa Cruz de Succhabamba, on his fourth day in Peru, Pope Leo XIV greeted local parishioners and those who had traveled from farther away at the Parish of the Immaculate Conception.

In off-the-cuff remarks, the Pope assured those who are ill of the Church’s closeness and invited them to pray for him and for everyone in need of God’s help.

“Brothers and sisters, what a joy it is to be with you once again here in Santa Cruz,' he said. 'It is like a great dream come true that the Lord has allowed me, your servant, to come here as part of this pastoral visit to the Diocese of Chiclayo and to all of Peru.”

“In Baptism, the Lord calls us all to be his missionary disciples, from the youngest to the oldest,” the Pope added.

He spoke of the witness of those who suffer from illness or face other hardships, saying that they bear witness through their faith, their faithfulness, and their prayer.

“You, too, are part of the Church, and we want to be close to you,” he told them.

Pope Leo asked them to pray for others, for him, and “for all those who need God’s help.” He expressed the hope that this prayer would keep them united.

“May we all walk together as the People of God, children of God, children of the same Father,” he said.

Vatican News
Source: vaticannews.va/en