Lima Archbishop: Repeal Pro-Crime Laws for Spiritual Preparation Ahead of Pope's Visit

Archbishop of Lima Carlos Castillo has called for the repeal of laws that benefit organized crime, suggesting this action would serve as a significant spiritual preparation for the country ahead of Pope Leo XIV's confirmed visit in November.

Castillo believes that reducing extortion and contract killings would be a true spiritual preparation for the pontiff's arrival. "As long as we have laws that protect them, there is nothing to be done. For example, a good spiritual sense would be to dissolve those laws and, instead, lift up the ones that are important for organizing things better," he told RPP.

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As long as we have laws that protect them, there is nothing to be done. For example, a good spiritual sense would be to dissolve those laws and, instead, lift up the ones that are important for organizing things better.

The Vatican confirmed the Pope's apostolic visit from November 11 to 17, 2026, which will include activities in Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco, and Pucallpa. Castillo urged the nation to seize this opportunity for crucial humanization, advocating for genuine human attitudes and a renunciation of all destructive elements.

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Let's renounce everything that destroys us, attacks us, harms us. The best way to prepare (the country) is to pacify ourselves and stop using destructive means that prevent progress.

He stressed the importance of pacification and abandoning destructive means, stating, "Let's renounce everything that destroys us, attacks us, harms us. The best way to prepare (the country) is to pacify ourselves and stop using destructive means that prevent progress."

Churches in Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco, and Pucallpa have formed commissions to organize the apostolic visit, handling logistical, infrastructural, and pastoral aspects. A commission from the Holy See has already conducted a technical visit, with a second delegation expected soon to review progress. The Archbishop also revealed that the Pope specifically requested a dialogue with young people, who will prepare their questions in advance for direct conversations during the visit.

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One thing that the Pope himself has asked is that, when there are meetings, especially with young people, they meet beforehand to prepare the questions they are going to ask. Because they are going to dialogue with him and we have to ask for those questions beforehand.