Lima: Pope Leo XIV has urged Peru's political leaders and public authorities to protect the dignity, rights and everyday peace of citizens, stressing the importance of dialogue, democratic cooperation and concern for the most vulnerable. Addressing government authorities and members of the diplomatic corps at the Gran Teatro Nacional in Lima, the Pope delivered his first public speech during his return visit to Peru. He called on leaders to put people at the centre of public decisions and ensure that every citizen can live without fear and with dignity.
The visit holds personal significance for Pope Leo, who spent more than two decades in Peru before becoming Pope. He recalled the strong relationships he developed with local communities, saying that their faith, hospitality and everyday experiences had helped shape his life and ministry. He also remembered the families who welcomed him into their homes and shared their lives with him. In 2015, he received Peruvian citizenship, an honour he described as recognition of a bond that had developed over many years.
Returning as the Successor of Peter, Pope Leo expressed gratitude to the people of Peru, acknowledging that his years in the country had played an important role in forming him as a shepherd. The Pope also highlighted the cultural diversity of Peru, where different regions maintain their own languages, traditions and identities. He said national unity becomes stronger when these differences are respected and everyone has an opportunity to contribute to the country's future.
Referring to the Catholic faith's presence in Peru for almost 500 years and the country's connection to Saint Rose of Lima, the first saint of Latin America, he recognised the important place of faith in the nation's history and culture. He said love for one's country should be reflected in practical actions, including helping families, supporting community projects and showing solidarity with people in need. True patriotism, he explained, involves wanting every person to enjoy dignity and having a willingness to contribute to the common good.
Turning to democratic life, Pope Leo stressed that listening to people must be a priority for those in positions of responsibility. He said government leaders should look beyond official documents, statistics and administrative records to understand the real experiences and difficulties of ordinary citizens. He encouraged political leaders to accept differences of opinion and recognise that no individual or group has all the answers. Honest discussion, integrity and a willingness to cooperate are essential for building a society that works for everyone.
The Pope also explained that peace should be understood through the everyday experiences of families. People should be able to travel to work without fear, care for their children and return home safely. He expressed concern about the suffering caused by violence and said the Catholic Church wanted to remain close to those affected. He also recognised the efforts of people working to protect human life, dignity and rights through justice and the rule of law. Employment and the ability to provide for one's family were also important elements of what he described as everyday peace. He said every job has dignity and contributes to the country's development.
However, he warned that economic growth alone cannot guarantee human well being. Peace of conscience, the assurance of being loved and the freedom to seek truth and make personal choices are equally important aspects of a meaningful life. Addressing social welfare, Pope Leo called on authorities to improve access to healthcare and strengthen preventive medicine. He particularly highlighted the needs of families caring for elderly people, the sick, those experiencing mental health difficulties and people with disabilities. He welcomed progress in science and technology, particularly in healthcare, education and environmental protection. However, he stressed that such developments must be accompanied by appropriate legal safeguards to prevent abuse and protect people from possible harm.
The Pope also called for greater international cooperation on environmental protection and the responsible use of new technologies. He said challenges that affect different countries and communities require dialogue and joint efforts rather than isolated responses. Reflecting on Peruvians living abroad, he said physical distance does not necessarily weaken people's attachment to their homeland. Living away from one's country can sometimes help people understand more deeply what they have received from their homeland. He also highlighted the need for patient diplomacy in addressing wars and international conflicts. Diplomacy, he said, should keep communication open, respect international law and seek agreements that protect human lives and dignity.
Pope Leo noted that the future of individual nations is closely connected to the well being of others, even when countries have their own interests and ambitions. Concluding his address, he highlighted the relationship between Peru and the Holy See, describing it as one based on cooperation at regional and international levels.
He noted that the Peruvian Constitution recognises the Catholic Church's contribution to the country's historical, cultural and moral development, providing a foundation for cooperation between the Church and the State. He reaffirmed the Church's commitment to proclaiming the Gospel, supporting people who suffer and defending the dignity of every human being.
The Pope proposed the Social Doctrine of the Church as a guide for those working towards the country's development and the common good.
Expressing gratitude to the people who had welcomed and supported him during his years in Peru, he said their kindness and personal encounters remained important to him. He concluded by invoking the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Rose of Lima and the saints and blessed of Peru, praying that the love of Christ would encourage people to recognise every Peruvian as a brother or sister and strengthen their love for their homeland.