Tourist route dedicated to Pope Leo XIV inaugurated in Peru, expected to attract travelers

The Peruvian government, in collaboration with the church and the tourism industry, has launched an exciting new tourist itinerary called "Los Caminos del Papa Leo XIV." This initiative aims to connect dozens of landmarks associated with Pope Leo XIV's mission in Peru.

The journey begins in the region of Piura, where the parish of San José Obrero holds significant historical importance. It was here that Pope Leo XIV (then Father Robert Francis Prevost) took his first steps with his mentor, Father John McKniff.

As the route moves north, it reaches the city of Eten, which is significant due to the Christ Child appearing on a consecrated host in 1649, believed to be the only Eucharistic miracle in Peru's history. Pope Leo XIV, who always visited Eten and promoted the miracle, sought pontifical recognition for it.

The route continues in the city of Chiclayo, where a large sculpture of Pope Leo XIV will be built, funded by the Lambayeque governor's administration. Construction is expected to begin within a few months.

The Lambayeque route includes four circuits, encompassing 22 attractions. One circuit includes visits to the Chiclayo Cathedral, to the church of St. Peter in the town of Monsefu, and St. Mary Magdalene Church in the city of Eten. The Sanctuary of the Cross of Chalpón in Motupe and the Convent of St. Augustine in Zaña, where St. Turibius of Mogrovejo, the father of the Peruvian church, died in 1606, are also part of the Lambayeque route.

In the region of La Libertad, the route includes visits to the Archdiocese of Trujillo, where Father Prevost acted as a judicial vicar, and the Convent of San Tomás de Villanueva, which was his home for nearly 10 years.

Callao appears in the route due to its central importance for the Catholic Church in Peru, with its 1833 St. Joseph Cathedral and the parish of St. Rose.

The government has pledged an investment of $150 million for church renovations, museums' expansions, and road improvements as part of this tourist project. Dina Boluarte, the President of Peru, announced these investments.

The route encompasses 35 tourist attractions, centered around religious locations significant during Pope Leo XIV's pastoral work in Peru. It also includes the local pastoral center and the formation center Villa la Buena Nueva, where Father Prevost educated and motivated many religious men.

The government has started selling tour packages for the Caminos del Papa León XIV program, but investments are still needed to fully realise this ambitious project. The Lambayeque route was chosen to give adequate importance to the ecclesiastical cultural patrimony.

This tour promises to be a journey through history, offering visitors a unique insight into Peru's rich religious and cultural heritage. Construction of the Pope Leo XIV sculpture in Chiclayo marks an exciting start to this ambitious project.

Tourist route dedicated to Pope Leo XIV inaugurated in Peru, expected to attract travelers