Peruvian Football Federation approves La Videnita for Pope Leo XIV’s mass in Pucallpa

Pope Leo XIV now has a venue prepared for his mass in Pucallpa. The Peruvian Football Federation authorized the Regional Government of Ucayali to use La Videnita for activities linked to the pontiff’s visit.

The permission, covering the planned Eucharistic celebration on Nov. 15, was sent to Ucayali Governor Manuel Gambini Rupay in Official Letter No. 377-FPF-2026, dated Sept. 2. Vatican advance teams had already inspected the sports complex as they reviewed possible venues for the visit.

La Videnita was selected because of its size and its ability to accommodate thousands of people. The boulevard at Yarinacocha, a short distance from Pucallpa, was considered separately as the site of a meeting between the Catholic Church leader and representatives of Indigenous Amazonian peoples.

After granting access to La Videnita, the federation asked the regional government to identify the officials responsible for coordinating technical work. It said any modifications must be compatible with the complex’s sporting use and should provide a lasting benefit for football and the Ucayali community.

According to the Vatican, Leo XIV is scheduled to visit Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco and Pucallpa during an apostolic trip to Peru from Nov. 11 to 16. The Holy See still has to publish the final program, including times, routes and official activities.