Tourist path devoted to Pope Leo XIV to entice travelers to Peru unveiled
In a significant move, the Peruvian government, in collaboration with the church and the tourism industry, launched a tourist itinerary called "Los Caminos del Papa León XIV" in July. This route connects dozens of landmarks associated with Pope Leo XIV's decades-long mission in Peru, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the rich history and faith of the country.
The journey begins in Piura, where the route includes the parish of San José Obrero. Here, Father Robert Francis Prevost, a key figure in this initiative, took his first steps with his mentor, Father John McKniff. The route also leads to Eten, a city known for a Eucharistic miracle that occurred in 1649, making it the only one in Peru's history. Pope Leo XIV frequently visited Eten and promoted the Eucharistic miracle.
The Lambayeque region is another highlight of the itinerary. Four circuits were defined, encompassing 22 attractions, as an initiative of the municipality of Chiclayo that was assimilated by the central government. The Lambayeque route includes historic churches, chapels, and archeological museums related to the pre-Inca Mochica culture. Notable landmarks include the 16th-century Convent of St. Augustine in Zaña, where St. Turibius of Mogrovejo, the first Peruvian saint, died in 1606, and the Sanctuary of the Cross of Chalpón in Motupe.
In the region of La Libertad, the thematic circuit includes visits to the Archdiocese of Trujillo, where Father Prevost acted as a judicial vicar, and the Convent of San Tomás de Villanueva, which was his home for nearly 10 years.
Callao appears in the route due to its central importance for the Catholic Church in Peru, with its 1833 St. Joseph Cathedral and the parish of St. Rose. Many churches, schools, and seminaries in the diocese are dedicated to St. Turibius.
The route also encompasses the local pastoral center and the formation center Villa la Buena Nueva, where Father Prevost educated and motivated many religious men. In addition, the government has pledged to invest $150 million in church renovations, museums' expansions, and roads for the tourist initiative.
A notable development in Chiclayo is the announcement by Lambayeque Gov. Jorge Pérez Flores to build a large sculpture of Pope Leo XIV. This initiative further underscores the significance of this tourist itinerary in celebrating Peru's rich religious history.
The "Los Caminos del Papa León XIV" offers a captivating exploration of Peru's religious heritage, providing an enriching experience for both locals and tourists alike.
