CHICLAYO (Peru), Nov 14 — Pope Leo XIV returned yesterday to his adopted hometown of Chiclayo, where half a million people braved desert heat to welcome their former bishop as he recovers from cancer.
The visit is the emotional centerpiece of the pope’s South America tour, bringing him back to the city where as Robert Francis Prevost he served the Church for nearly a decade.
“What a joy it is to return to Chiclayo!” the beaming 71-year-old pontiff said, apparently oblivious to the blazing sun despite his heavy liturgical vestments.
“Thank you for your affection, support and prayers, especially for my health during this time of trial which, with God’s help, I am overcoming,” Leo said.
