Pope Leo XIV addresses community suffering in remote Peruvian Andes town

Pope Leo XIV returned to the remote Andean village of Santa Cruz de Succhabamba this weekend, marking a poignant stop during his first Latin American tour since his election in May 2025. The visit to the isolated community, where approximately 6,000 people reside, drew a crowd of 20,000, according to Vatican figures. The pontiff, who served as the bishop of the Diocese of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023, was greeted with cheers and songs upon his arrival by helicopter.

Pope Leo XIV visits former diocese

Addressing the faithful at an outdoor Mass, Pope Leo XIV spoke of the suffering experienced by those forced to abandon their homelands in pursuit of better opportunities. He noted that such migration has left many rural communities under significant threat. The Pope also highlighted the issue of declining birth rates that are causing villages to empty, as well as the unequal distribution of regional resources. His message emphasized the importance of maintaining hope despite life's persistent difficulties.

Pope Leo XIV visited a remote Peruvian village to address the struggles of migration and local poverty.

This trip holds deep personal significance for the US-born leader of the Catholic Church. Having lived in Peru for long periods between 1985 and 2023, he became a national citizen in 2015. Reflecting on his return to the local parish, he expressed immense joy, describing the visit as a dream come true. Rev. Kevin Noriega, who was ordained by the Pope during his time as bishop, noted that the visit brought profound hope to the people who still remember him as 'Father Robert.'

Cajamarca, the region where the town is located, faces severe economic challenges. Official data indicates that over 40% of its population lives in poverty, the highest rate in Peru. Furthermore, the region has experienced the country's highest levels of internal migration, with 729,000 people born in Cajamarca now residing elsewhere. Following his time in Chiclayo, the Pope is scheduled to travel to Cusco and the Amazon rainforest before concluding his tour on Monday.

Why it matters

Santa Cruz de Succhabamba is part of the Diocese of Chiclayo, where the pope served as bishop from 2015 to 2023. This visit highlights the ongoing struggle of rural populations in Peru against poverty and migration, drawing global attention to the socio-economic challenges faced by isolated communities.