Peru: The Diocese of Chiclayo in northern Peru has rekindled a series of impactful charity initiatives originally launched by its former bishop, Robert Prevost, who now serves as Pope Leo XIV. These efforts, which span from 2014 to 2023, have been revitalized following his election to the papacy, with the aim of continuing his deep-rooted mission of compassion and community empowerment.
Thousands of disadvantaged families in Peru’s Lambayeque region are poised to benefit from these five major projects, which address critical needs in education, health, entrepreneurship, nutrition, and environmental care. The revival has been made possible through a broad coalition of stakeholders, including the Lambayeque Chamber of Commerce and Production, the Committee for Social Responsibility, the organization Voices of Help, and numerous parishes actively serving the region.
Among the most unique fundraising ventures is the launch of the “Papaleta”—a white chocolate popsicle crafted in the likeness of Pope Leo XIV. The clever name merges “Papa” (Spanish for Pope) and “paleta” (popsicle), transforming a simple dessert into a powerful tool for charity. Proceeds from Papaleta sales—20% of each purchase—are directed toward building a new educational and recreational center at the San Juan Apóstol parish in Santa Ana. This space will provide tutoring, reading materials, and child-friendly activities designed to foster a love of learning among local youth.
One initiative addresses food insecurity by supporting five parish-run soup kitchens that serve over 800 individuals struggling to access nutritious meals. These efforts are fueled by contributions from 25 businesses affiliated with the Lambayeque Chamber of Commerce. The aid includes food, medicine, and other essential goods, distributed through a network of local parishes and community kitchens such as María Reyna de los Sacerdotes and Divina Misericordia.
Another vital component is the reactivation of a modern oxygen therapy center in the district of Mochumí. First established during the COVID-19 pandemic under Bishop Prevost’s leadership, the facility will be sustained through ongoing fundraising to continue serving patients who require respiratory support.
In partnership with the German Development Cooperation, a new hub will be launched to nurture budding entrepreneurs. This facility will offer tools, mentorship, and technical training to individuals with innovative business ideas, aiming to foster self-reliance and economic resilience in the region.
Simultaneously, an urban environmental initiative is underway to improve Chiclayo’s ecological health. Led by the Rotary Club and Señor de Sipán University, this project includes planting trees across the city, enhancing waste management systems, and educating the public on sustainability practices. Fundraising efforts will also help purchase a new vehicle dedicated to garbage collection.
These re-energized projects stand as a living testament to Pope Leo XIV’s enduring legacy of service and solidarity. While his responsibilities now extend across the globe, the compassionate foundations he laid in Chiclayo continue to flourish—serving as beacons of hope, resilience, and shared humanity in northern Peru. Through these renewed initiatives, Pope Leo XIV’s vision for a more just, caring, and inclusive society lives on.