Vatican City – In the context of Pope Leo XIV’s expanding agenda for international visits in 2026, Peru’s ambassador to the Holy See, Jorge Ponce San Roman, extended an official invitation for the pontiff to visit Peru. The announcement was made during a ceremony held in the Vatican gardens, where a new mosaic and statue dedicated to the Virgin Mary, sponsored by Peru, were inaugurated.
This invitation comes as part of a broader framework where 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Pope Leo XIV’s travels. Significant trips being considered include an extensive tour across several African countries and potential visits in Latin America. Recent confirmations indicate that plans are advancing for a papal mission to Africa this year, encompassing countries such as Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Cameroon, and Algeria, although no exact dates have been disclosed. Vatican officials have conveyed that this four-nation journey would most likely occur after Easter.
The Pope has personally expressed his desire for Africa to be the destination of his second papal trip, prioritizing Algeria due to its profound connection to his Augustinian religious order. The country also holds critical significance in promoting Christian-Muslim relations, a focus area for the Vatican.
In addition to Africa, Pope Leo XIV has indicated aspirations to visit Argentina, Uruguay, and notably Peru in either 2026 or 2027. Peru bears particular relevance for the pontiff, given his experience living there for approximately two decades in his role as a missionary and the fact that he retains citizenship. Argentina, having yet to host a papal visit since Leo’s 2013 election, awaits this historic event with anticipation.
During the Vatican ceremony, with Peru’s bishops present, Ambassador Ponce conveyed the collective hope of the Peruvian people to welcome Pope Leo XIV soon: "We hoped to see you very soon in Peru." In response, the Pope acknowledged Peru as a "such a beloved country to me." Departing from customary protocol, Pope Leo XIV remained afterwards to partake in a buffet luncheon organized by the Peruvian Embassy for attending diplomats and Vatican officials.
The gathering was held in the Vatican gardens, where the Pope joined Ambassador Ponce and Peruvian bishops to enjoy traditional Peruvian dishes, including ravioli with huancaina sauce and pisco sour cocktails. Despite sporadic rainfall, the atmosphere was relaxed and joyful, reflecting a sense of familiarity and warmth between the pontiff and his Peruvian guests.
This engagement underscores the Vatican's continued emphasis on strengthening ties with both African and Latin American nations through papal visits, which serve diplomatic, religious, and cultural objectives. While definitive schedules remain pending for these international travels, the invitations and planning activities signal a proactive approach in the Vatican’s global outreach strategy for 2026.