Before becoming the leader of the Catholic Church, Robert Prevost spent much of his life in Peru. Now, as Pope Leo XIV, he is preparing to return to the country he also considers home. Discover his story and the destinations that will be part of his visit in November 2026.
In 1985, a young Augustinian priest arrived in Chulucanas, a small city in the Piura region of northern Peru. His name was Robert Francis Prevost, and although no one could have imagined it at the time, four decades later he would become the 267th pope of the Catholic Church.
What began as a religious mission developed into a deep connection with Peru. Through local communities, historic cities, and years of pastoral service, Prevost built a life story that would eventually take him from the streets of northern Peru to the Vatican.
Photo credit: Guglielmo Mangiapane, REUTERS.
Robert Prevost in Peru: A Story That Began in 1985
His first destination was Chulucanas, in the Piura region, where he served as parish vicar of the Cathedral of the Holy Family and chancellor of the territorial prelature.
In 1988, he returned to Peru, this time to Trujillo, a city known for its colonial architecture and its proximity to important archaeological sites, such as Chan Chan and the Huacas del Sol y de la Luna.
There, he took charge of the Augustinian formation house and carried out important educational work, teaching moral theology, canon law, and patristics at the San Carlos and San Marcelo Major Seminary.
Years later, in 2014, his story continued in Chiclayo, when Pope Francis appointed him apostolic administrator of the diocese. In September 2015, he was officially appointed Bishop of Chiclayo, a city with which he developed a particularly close connection.
That same year, he obtained Peruvian citizenship, strengthening a relationship that went far beyond his religious mission.
In 2020, he also assumed the role of apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Callao. Later, in 2023, he was called to Rome as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and was made a cardinal that same year.
Finally, on May 8, 2025, Robert Prevost was elected pope, taking the name Leo XIV.
Leo XIV Returns to Peru in 2026: Four Destinations to Discover
More than four decades after first arriving as a missionary, Leo XIV will return to Peru from November 11 to 16, 2026, on an apostolic visit that will take him to Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco, and Pucallpa.
Beyond its religious significance, this journey offers an opportunity to discover four destinations that reflect the country's cultural, historical, and natural diversity.
Lima: History, Architecture, and Tradition
The Peruvian capital will be both the starting and ending point of his visit.
Its Historic Center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to churches, convents, squares, and colonial buildings that form part of Peru's history.
Lima Cathedral, the San Francisco Convent, and Plaza Mayor are among the landmarks that showcase the city's religious heritage.
But Lima is also a culinary capital, where traditional markets, Peruvian cuisine, and neighborhoods such as Miraflores and Barranco offer experiences that go far beyond its historic monuments.
Chiclayo: The City That Holds a Special Place in His Story
Chiclayo is undoubtedly one of the most significant destinations in Leo XIV's years in Peru.
During his time as bishop, he developed a close relationship with the local community, making this northern Peruvian city an essential part of his life.
For travelers, Chiclayo is also a gateway to some of the country's greatest archaeological treasures.
The Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, which houses extraordinary artifacts from the Moche culture, and the Pyramids of Túcume, one of the most important archaeological complexes on Peru's northern coast, are must-see attractions for those interested in discovering Peru's pre-Hispanic past.
Cusco: Inca Heritage and Colonial History
Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is one of South America's most iconic destinations.
Its streets preserve traces of two major historical periods: the Inca civilization and the arrival of the Spanish, whose colonial architecture was built upon ancient stone walls.
Plaza de Armas, Cusco Cathedral, and the archaeological complex of Saqsaywaman are among its main attractions.
Cusco is also the gateway to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu, one of the world's most famous landmarks.
Pucallpa: An Encounter with the Peruvian Amazon
The final city on the itinerary before returning to Lima will be Pucallpa, located along the banks of the Ucayali River, in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon.
This destination offers a different perspective on the country, shaped by tropical landscapes, traditions, and the cultural richness of Amazonian peoples.
Its main attractions include Yarinacocha Lagoon, river excursions, and cultural experiences that allow visitors to learn about the traditions of local communities, particularly the Shipibo-Konibo people.
Pucallpa offers an opportunity to discover a lesser-known side of Peru, where nature and culture share a deep connection.
Beyond Destinations, the Stories That Connect Us
The story of Leo XIV reminds us that traveling is not only about discovering new landscapes, but also about getting to know the people, traditions, and cultures that give each place its identity.
From the historic cities of northern Peru to the Andes and the Amazon, the country holds countless stories waiting to be discovered.
And Robert Prevost's is one of them: the story of a man who arrived as a missionary and found a second home in Peru.