"The Pope Has Come Home": More Than 1.5 Million at Mass Near Chiclayo as Leo Speaks of His Lung Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo XIV, who holds Peruvian citizenship, celebrated mass on Friday at a park in Pimentel, near the northern Peruvian city of Chiclayo, where he made his name as a compassionate bishop who worked closely with poor and migrant communities. The ceremony was part of his tour of Latin America.

The Vatican estimates that more than 1.5 million people gathered to welcome the pontiff. Pimentel is about 10km (six miles) from Chiclayo.

"Thank you for your affection, support and prayers," the Pope told followers. "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 just weeks ago.

Some of the crowd arrived 12 hours in advance and waited in vigil before the mass began. "We spent the night praying, alongside family, excited to welcome the Pope from Chiclayo," said Isa Orderique.

Merli Cruz Guerrero, from an area near the Ecuadorean border, travelled several hours by bus to attend and also spent the entire night waiting. Many came from across Peru and even neighbouring countries.

The faithful waited for long hours in the open despite temperatures pushing past 30C. The crowd fell into a hushed silence as the pontiff's motorcade approached. Of all the events the Pope has attended so far during his visit to Peru, this one felt particularly emotional.

Pope Leo served as bishop of Chiclayo between 2015 and 2023. Lisbeth Díaz, a teacher who worked with him during that time, said: "The Pope has come home and Chiclayo is celebrating." For many living there, the fact that he worked extensively in the region before becoming head of the Catholic Church has put them in the spotlight.

Peru is the longest stop on the first Latin America tour of the pontiff, who was elected in May 2025. The trip has also taken in Argentina and Uruguay, but his time in Peru carries particular significance.

The Pope lived in Peru for long periods between 1985 and 2023 and became a citizen of the country in 2015, forging close ties with local communities.

Around Chiclayo, residents recall how he would sample Peruvian delicacies at El Trébol, a restaurant next to the city's cathedral, and his love of tennis. Others remember more serious moments, such as helping launch soup kitchens during the Covid-19 pandemic, or wading through deep waters on horseback when floods hit the area. Several of these images are on display in a small museum dedicated to him at the entrance to the bishop's residence.

Samuel David Miranda Atoche, a local parish priest from Chiclayo who was ordained by the Pope back when he was still the bishop and known under his birth name of Robert Prevost, said: "It is the return of the man who brought Peruvians closer to the Church."

His connection extended to migrants as well. Díaz, who came to Chiclayo from Venezuela, recalled that when large numbers of Venezuelans passed through Chiclayo escaping their country's political and economic crisis, he found it difficult to see so many migrants living on the streets. She said he got in touch with the migration authorities and coordinated with other organisations to speed up the paperwork needed for many to obtain legal residency and work permits.

His time as bishop also involved difficult decisions, including dealing with the controversy and scandal surrounding the dissolution of Sodalitium of Christian Life, a Peruvian Catholic organisation that had faced decades of sexual abuse allegations. Santiago Roncagliolo, a Peruvian writer and journalist who has studied the Pope's life, believes his handling of that crisis earned him the favour of his predecessor, Pope Francis, and helped set him on the path to the papacy.

Father David also stressed the unifying role of the now-pontiff. "If there is one thing Bishop Prevost worked for here," he said, "it was unity."

Normally, 800,000 people live in the city and its surrounding area, but estimates say the Pope's visit has caused that number to double. Local businesses have been capitalising on the Pope's popularity to boost sales, and hotels have sharply increased their nightly room rates.

Shouts of "The Pope is from Chiclayo!" echoed across the field during the event. From the stage, the Pope said: "As I look at your faces, a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord arises in my heart, for the blessing you have been and continue to be in my life."