Pope to Lead Rosary Prayer at Cusco's Sacsayhuamán Citadel

The ancient Inca citadel of Sacsayhuamán in Cusco, Peru, will host Pope León XIV for a significant spiritual event during his upcoming visit in November.

Confirming earlier reports, Peru's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Cusco announced that the pontiff will lead a Rosary prayer at the archaeological complex. The ceremony is expected to last approximately 30 minutes. This confirmation followed a recent inspection of Sacsayhuamán by an advance delegation from the Vatican.

The Vatican delegation, comprising around 20 representatives from the Catholic Church and the Peruvian Episcopal Conference, was led by Monsignor José Nahúm Salas Castañeda. They meticulously evaluated the site, identifying usable areas while noting restrictions necessary for preserving the delicate Inca heritage. This marks the second inspection by the delegation, which also includes specialists focused on the pontiff's route and the setup of the stage and audience areas.

Officials are also considering the logistics of the papamobile's entry and the capacity for attendees. Due to the site's archaeological sensitivity, public access will be restricted in certain monument areas, a measure implemented during Pope John Paul II's 1985 visit. The final itinerary and schedule for the Pope's activities remain under wraps due to security considerations.