Peruvian Archbishop on Pope’s visit: For Latin Americans he is “one of them”

By Tiziana Campisi

From the coastline overlooking the Pacific Ocean to the Amazon rainforest, from colonial cities to the Andes, Peru is awaiting Pope Leo XIV.

The country is the third stop on his Apostolic Journey to Latin America, after Uruguay and Argentina, which will take place from November, 6 to 17.

The “Peruvian” Pope is coming, as when he was an Augustinian, Robert Prevost served as a missionary in the region of Piura and in Trujillo during the 1980s and 1990s, was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo by Pope Francis in 2015, and then five years later also became Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Callao.

Peru is a multi-ethnic nation that has remained close to the heart of “Father Roberto”. He has never forgotten his “querida diócesis” (beloved diocese) of Chiclayo, not even after his election to the papacy.

A festive atmosphere is spreading throughout the country in these days as it prepares to welcome the Pope. However, Peru has also been saddened by the death, on October 30, of the Archbishop of Cusco, Richard Daniel Alarcón Urrutia.

Archbishop Lizardo Estrada Herrera, appointed by the Pope as Coadjutor Archbishop of Cusco on August 29 and Secretary General of the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (CELAM), spoke to the Vatican’s media outlets about his predecessor.

An Augustinian religious originally from Apurímac, Archbishop Estrada Herrera described he considerable social commitment of his predecessor, his concern for the poorest and most vulnerable, the formation of the clergy, attention to young people, and his extensive collaboration with the Peruvian Episcopal Conference, particularly in promoting the synodal process.

Archbishop Estrada Herrera also discussed the social reality of his country, recalling the years when Father Robert Prevost was his formator, and expressed his heartfelt anticipation of the arrival of the Successor of Peter.

Highlights 31/10/2026 Pope Leo mourns Archbishop Richard Alarcón of Cusco Pope Leo XIV expresses his deep sorrow at the death of Archbishop Richard Daniel Alarcón Urrutia of Cusco, who died after a long illness, just days before the Pope's arrival in the ...

Archbishop Estrada Herrera, what are your memories of Archbishop Alarcón Urrutia?

The death of our beloved Archbishop Richard Alarcón Urrutia of Cusco, has deeply saddened us. Despite being seriously ill, he continued his already exemplary pastoral work with great enthusiasm.

I remember him as a pastor who was very close to the people, humble and austere in his lifestyle and in his relationships with others. He was deeply committed to every aspect of integral evangelization and convinced that we must be joyful evangelizers, as the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium proposes.

He spared no effort and was always alongside his people in all their expressions of popular piety, which he greatly appreciated.

In his social commitment, he was always concerned that Caritas Cusco should reach the poorest and most vulnerable. From the very beginning of his episcopal ministry, he also devoted particular attention to justice, peace and to caring for Creation.

He wholeheartedly supported the work of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference, particularly in the areas of healthcare ministry, Caritas, liturgy and, more recently, the synodal process, actively supporting the work of the National Synod Team.

He also supported the twinning of parishes in Germany and Cusco, as well as the partnership at the national level with the Archdiocese of Freiburg, through the Partneschaft, of which he served as president for many years.

Other notable aspects of his episcopal ministry included the formation of priests and the strengthening of the clergy and the ecclesiastical province, given that Cusco is a metropolitan archdiocese; the promotion of popular piety and support for local communities; the consolidation of parishes and the maintenance of churches; particular attention to young people; and support for synodal processes at every level.

In his final days, he was coordinating various preparatory arrangements for Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Cusco, liaising with the Vatican delegation and various government authorities.

As Archbishop of Cusco, how will you continue the work begun by Archbishop Alarcón Urrutia?

I will carry forward the precious legacy of Archbishop Richard Alarcón Urrutia, with whom I had the honor of working as auxiliary bishop and, more recently, as coadjutor archbishop.

We will continue his work and the initiatives he approved in the Pastoral Plan of the Archdiocese of Cusco, placing particular emphasis on a pastoral approach that attends to the human person in their entirety, across the various areas of evangelization, and strengthening the synodal process in the Archdiocese, which he supported so strongly.

Continuing what he planted is a challenge, but we trust in God's help as we undertake this commitment.

Archbishop Estrada Herrera, what kind of Peru will welcome the Pope?

Peru is a country where poverty still exists, particularly in the Andean and Amazonian regions, where democracy is fragile, education has not reached the entire national territory, and healthcare is inadequate or almost non-existent in the most remote and mountainous areas.

There is a lot of corruption and too much polarization in politics, and we need to strengthen our care for our common home.

The Pope will encounter a nation with its suffering, but also with its hopes. It is a country where faith and popular piety are strong, where solidarity among the poorest and resilience are part of everyday life.

Here, people do not passively accept difficulties and problems. Rather, they try to look ahead and build a path towards development through solidarity.

The Pope's arrival has generated joy and hope everywhere. Although there are differences within the country, Peru is united at this moment, like one big family awaiting the Pope: a brother, someone who knows its reality, and at the same time the Vicar of Christ.

Everyone wants to hear him. They want his blessing for their families, their work and their future.

In what specific areas has the Church developed its pastoral activity?

The Church is present in geographical and existential peripheries. It accompanies those who suffer, gives a voice to those who have none, makes its presence felt in society, and promotes the synodal journey.

We are committed to ensuring that the Church listens and engages in dialogue more, remains more open to what the Holy Spirit is suggesting, and gives greater space to the laity and young people.

Every day, the Church works towards integral evangelization and strives to strengthen the teaching of its Social Doctrine.

The bishops meet twice a year in an Assembly to reflect together, make decisions, exchange views and issue a message concerning social life, pastoral ministry, liturgy and catechesis.

In short, we are trying to renew ourselves so that we can respond to the challenges of our time through the Gospel and the Social Doctrine of the Church.

There is no doubt that the Pope's words, his visit and the events we will experience with him will give us renewed momentum.

We are called to develop a comprehensive missionary and pastoral program in response to the realities that challenge us, such as migration, poverty and corruption, but also solidarity.

The Pope's presence will be extremely important because he is our shepherd and our guide. He will help us to remain united, to orient ourselves towards the common good and the building of peace through justice, to improve the formation of priests, bishops and laypeople, and to become a Church that is close to everyone, poor and serving the poor, and attentive to Creation.

What is the relationship between laypeople and the Church in Peru today?

First of all, there is a strong popular piety expressed in various way and it unites people across the country. For example, in the south, processions and pilgrimages take place once a year, even though many who participate do not go to Mass every Sunday.

For Peruvians, the Church is an institution in which they believe and in which they place their trust, they feel its closeness and the appreciate its social work, especially in the field of education and healthcare.

Above all, they see it as a place of listening, hope, and prayer, one that fosters a sense of family and belonging to the community.

Although the ideal we aspire to does not always match who we truly are, and in some cases negative content circulates on social media that adversely affects people's thinking, we remain hopeful that we can make progress.

Therefore, it is essential to cultivate critical thinking and a commitment to fraternity and solidarity.

Most people believe in the Church, despite its shortcomings; they listen to and appreciate its teachings; and, in many places, they participate in annual religious celebrations by wearing traditional clothing, singing, dancing, or in other ways.

It is clear that people have a relationship with God and engage in volunteer work, but prayer is still insufficient; it is necessary to intensify it and deepen our understanding of the preferential option for the poor and solidarity with them, as well as care for our common home.

You come from the province of Cotabambas, one of the three high-altitude provinces of Apurímac, where Italian Augustinian missionaries arrived in the late 1960s. What is the situation in this region today?

In the Andes of Apurímac, at an altitude of 3,000 to 3,500 meters, the Italian Augustinians arrived during an extremely difficult period.

There was terrorism, and they devoted themselves completely to the poor, to educating children, to ensuring access to healthcare as far as possible, and to promoting integral human development.

They accomplished an enormous amount.

Today, things have changed. Yes, there has been progress, and the roads have improved somewhat.

Our main focus now is helping the elderly, because young people move to the cities and many older people are left alone. There is also a need for other kinds of services and social programs to promote human development.

Peruvian society has changed. We are making technological progress, but we are losing our humanity and our sense of community. There is more selfishness.

Today, particularly in cities, people have a house and sometimes a car, but they are losing their social lives and their sense of community. They are becoming isolated.

Solidarity and cooperation for the common good are lacking.

We must work to ensure that new technologies, which also have positive aspects, do not divide people or drive them apart, because they carry risks, as Pope Leo XIV stated in Magnifica Humanitas.

There is still much to be done in Apurímac. Healthcare remains a problem, as it does not reach everyone. Education has not yet reached an optimal standard, support services for the elderly are inadequate, social inequalities remain severe, and employment opportunities are lacking.

Archbishop Estrada Herrera, you are an Augustinian religious, and your vocation began in Apurímac. How did it develop?

My family is very Catholic. My parents went to Mass every Sunday and passed their faith on to me.

Furthermore, where I lived, there were Augustinian missionaries, who were the only ones responsible for pastoral care in the area.

A vocation is a calling. I felt in my heart that something was happening, so I asked the Augustinian friars and others for help in trying to understand it. I also prayed a great deal to understand what was my direction.

The Augustinians were a mirror for me, an example to follow, as they were for everyone.

I observed their work, listened to their preaching, and saw them helping many people, proclaiming the Gospel and standing alongside the poorest.

Their way of dedicating their lives to the mission, of giving themselves completely to others, inspired me. I thought that perhaps I could do the same.

So, I prayed, my mother prayed, and my family prayed.

I then decided to enter the seminary and, thanks be to God, with the help of many Augustinians, many of them Italian, as well as family members and friends, I continued on my path.

Pope Leo XIV also helped me greatly in my discernment.

You met your fellow Augustinian Robert Prevost in Trujillo. What do you remember about those years?

When I entered the seminary, after studying philosophy in Apurímac and completing my novitiate, I went to Trujillo to study theology.

It was 1996–97, and at that time Father Prevost was in charge of formation.

I remember that there were many of us, from Iquitos, Chulucanas, Piura, Cusco and various other parts of Peru, studying and deepening our understanding of our individual vocations.

Father Prevost was my professor and director of studies, and I also saw him working as a parish priest.

He was like a brother to me - because we belonged to the same community - as well as a friend and a guide.

Above all, he always knew how to listen. He was interested in how I was doing and in what I had to say.

I particularly remember his patience. Together, we visited several cities in the country. He encouraged us to become good missionaries, good parish priests and good brothers.

He was concerned about the overall well-being of the seminarians.

Many eventually left, only a few of us remained, thanks to the support we received and the encouragement to pray, study and engage in pastoral work. Prevost was always encouraging everyone.

What is the most valuable lesson you received from your fellow Augustinian, Father Prevost?

First of all, the Augustinian teaching that encourages us to cultivate our inner life and prayer.

It is prayer that leads us to find God, not only through personal searching, but also in the poor, the sick, the elderly and prisoners.

Prevost was someone who listened without prejudice and always sought what was best for everyone.

But the most important lesson was something he constantly repeated to us all: “Wherever you go on mission, do not bring God; find God in the poorest people.”

Where and how is the Augustinian family, both male and female, active in Peru today?

We Augustinians are present in Cusco, Apurímac, Lima, Trujillo, Chiclayo, the rainforest, Iquitos, the Amazon region, Chulucanas and Piura.

In Peru, we have one province and three vicariates. There are also religious sisters who follow the Rule of Saint Augustine and are active in various locations.

There are many of us. Sometimes we all meet, and we also work together and collaborate.

The Augustinian sisters are primarily dedicated to education. They stand alongside the poor and orphans and are involved in pastoral work and various social projects.

You are Secretary General of CELAM, the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council, and therefore have a broad perspective on the countries Leo XIV will visit: Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. How are people waiting for his visit?

People are very happy, excited and full of hope about the Pope's visit. In Uruguay and Argentina there is great enthusiasm. People are preparing with deep faith, through prayer and through social programs and initiatives.

There is a real sense of excitement and joy. The Pope's visit is a blessing for everyone, believers and non-believers alike.

Here in Latin America, people feel very close to Leo XIV, as demonstrated by the photographs of Prevost when he lived in Peru among the people of Chiclayo and other places, which have travelled around the world.

For Latin Americans, the Pope is one of them. He is someone who has walked their streets, including in the most difficult areas; someone who knows their reality and culture and appreciates and enjoys their local cuisine.

How has the Church prepared for the Pope's visit?

Several meetings have been organized in different countries. In Peru, for example, a National Commission has been established, comprising bishops, laypeople and diocesan commissions. It has worked on liturgy, logistics and organization at various levels.

We are also preparing spiritually. We have studied some of the Pope's speeches, the Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te and the Encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, in order to better understand his thinking and his message, and what he is saying to the Church.

The Peruvian Episcopal Conference has also published various resources for reflection and preparation.

How are you personally experiencing this period of anticipation?

It is a profound, indescribable emotion, something that can only be experienced.

I believe the Pope is coming home, returning to his people, and I imagine that his heart is overflowing with joy.

At the same time, I find myself remembering the journeys we shared when I was a seminarian, during my priestly formation, and later as bishops.

I am so happy to be able to meet him again, to hear in him the voice of God telling us how to face the challenges of our time in Latin America; how to listen and respond to the cry of the earth and of the poor; how to promote unity at every level; and how to become builders of peace and integral human development.