Pope Leo XIV's Past Demand for Fujimori's Apology for Massacre Deaths Recalled Ahead of Peru Visit

Pope Leo XIV, during his time as Bishop Robert Prevost, previously called for former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori to issue an authentic and explicit apology to the victims' families of the Barrios Altos and La Cantuta massacres. These statements resurfaced following the confirmation of the pontiff's upcoming visit to Peru in November.

In December 2017, after then-President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski granted Fujimori a humanitarian pardon, Prevost stated that Fujimori's apology was insufficient. He argued that the former president did not directly recognize the severe human rights violations for which he was convicted. "Alberto Fujimori apologized in a generic way. (...) Perhaps it would be much more effective to apologize more expressly for some of the great injustices that were committed and for which he was judged and sentenced. One must apologize and recognize through an authentic dialogue with the truth that the pain of many families is still very strong today," Prevost said at the time.

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Alberto Fujimori apologized in a generic way. (...) Perhaps it would be much more effective to apologize more expressly for some of the great injustices that were committed and for which he was judged and sentenced. One must apologize and recognize through an authentic dialogue with the truth that the pain of many families is still very strong today.

The pontiff's return to Peru, his first as the head of the Catholic Church, is generating significant anticipation. He will be received by President Keiko Fujimori, Alberto Fujimori's daughter, a meeting that inevitably recalls Prevost's past declarations. The visit is expected to be a moment of spiritual encounter and a message of hope for the nation.

In Chiclayo, where Prevost spent much of his pastoral work, the announcement has sparked enthusiasm among the faithful. Local and regional authorities are already preparing for the arrival of thousands of pilgrims and visitors.

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His arrival will be a moment of encounter for our faith and a message of hope for our country.