Fujimori: Pope's Peru visit will be 'historic moment of reconciliation'

Peru's likely next president, Keiko Fujimori, described Pope Leo XIV's upcoming November visit as a "historic moment that will signify unity and reconciliation for all." Fujimori, a right-wing candidate, is nearing victory in the presidential runoff against leftist Roberto Sánchez.

Speaking to journalists, the probable president-elect highlighted the "great jubilation among the Peruvian people" regarding the visit. She indicated she would not join criticisms against interim President José María Balcázar concerning the cost of his recent trip to the Vatican with his family.

However, Fujimori, the daughter and political heir of former President Alberto Fujimori, expressed regret that Balcázar missed a scheduled meeting in Paris with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), an international body Peru is seeking to join. Pope Leo XIV confirmed his visit to Peru, a country where he spent much of his pastoral life, during his audience with Balcázar.

The transitional leader stated the visit would occur in the first half of November and could last eight to ten days, including stops in Lima and Chiclayo. Chiclayo is where Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, served as bishop for six years before being called to the Vatican by Pope Francis. The papal visit was initially anticipated in February by then-Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela, who confirmed an official invitation had been extended.