Pope Leo XIV will visit Peru from November 11 to 16 as the final leg of his first Latin American tour, which includes stops in Uruguay and Argentina. The visit culminates in a mass for an expected 1.2 million people at the Las Palmas Air Base in Lima on November 16, according to EFE.
Las Palmas Air Base prepares for 1.2 million faithful
Organizers are constructing a stage on a 70-hectare expanse at the Las Palmas Air Base in the Surco district. Colonel Carlos Tejada, inspector of Air Wing No. 6, told local media that the liturgy will take place on and around the runways. Attendees can enter the base starting at 10:00 p.m. on November 15, provided they have registered via a digital platform and possess a QR code.
The mass begins at 10:30 a.m. on November 16. To manage the crowd during forecasted high temperatures caused by the El Niño phenomenon, the Archdiocese of Lima and the Chancellery have installed 37 hydration points. These stations will be staffed by Civil Defense brigadiers, firefighters, and volunteers, Tejada told the state agency Andina.
Did you know? The Pope spent more than 20 years living in Peru and previously served as the bishop of Chiclayo, EFE reported.
Medical protocols and ‘Operativo Papa León’
EsSalud has launched “Operativo Papa León,” a health deployment involving ambulances and emergency brigades across Lima and various regions. Zulema Tomas, executive president of EsSalud, stated that more than 15 health establishments are on yellow alert to handle potential emergencies.
A Type III ambulance, equipped as an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with a mechanical ventilator and multi-parameter defibrillator, will permanently accompany the papal vehicle. A second Type II ambulance will support the official entourage. In Lima, 18 Type II ambulances will be stationed at key sites: six at Las Palmas Air Base, four at the National Stadium, four at the Plaza de Armas, and four at the Gran Teatro Nacional.
Official itinerary and access requirements
The Pope arrives in Lima on the afternoon of November 11, heading first to the Plaza Mayor. On November 12, the schedule includes meetings with bishops and a gathering at the Lima Cathedral with priests, laity, and religious sisters. At noon that day, he will attend an event titled “Challenges and the Future of the Peruvian People” at the Plaza Mayor, which is limited to 10,000 to 12,000 invited guests, according to Father Juan Bytton, secretary general of the visit.
The itinerary also includes visits to Callao, Chiclayo, Santa Cruz de Succhabamba, Cusco, and Pucallpa. For the final mass at Las Palmas, Father Bytton confirmed that tickets are free and available via Ticketmaster. Each nominative ticket requires a name and ID; if the details do not match, entry will be denied.
Visit aims to strengthen hope and inspire youth
Sister María Antonieta García Carrizales, Superior General of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, stated that the visit aims to provide “new routes” for Catholics to rediscover the presence of Christ through service and fraternity. She noted that the atmosphere in Peru is one of joy, particularly as the Pope returns to his home country.
García Carrizales stated that the visit is expected to strengthen the Church’s hope amid social, political, and economic challenges. She specifically highlighted the potential for the Pope to inspire youth to use technology as a tool for evangelization and to build a “disarming peace” through their lives and words.
| Location | Key Event/Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Plaza Mayor | Arrival (Nov 11) & Future of Peru Event (Nov 12) | Father Juan Bytton |
| Las Palmas Base | Closing Mass (Nov 16) – 1.2M expected | EFE |
| Regional Cities | Chiclayo, Cusco, Pucallpa, etc. | EFE |
Papal visit logistical FAQs
How do I get a ticket for the final mass?
Tickets are free and digital, obtained through Ticketmaster under the option “Santa Misa Base Las Palmas Lima.” Each account can generate up to eight nominative tickets, according to Father Juan Bytton.
What security measures are in place for the crowd?
The National Police will provide strict security at the Las Palmas base, and the Ministry of Defense has deployed Bell 212 and Bell 412 helicopters to handle emergencies involving the Pope or attendees, EFE reported.
Who is invited to the November 12 event?
The Archdiocese of Lima, via Cardinal Castillo, has extended invitations to groups including prison ministry, emergency brigadiers, and “ollas comunes” (community kitchens), according to Father Juan Bytton.
While the general itinerary is set, the exact routes for the papamobile and motorcade are still being evaluated by security officials and have not yet been released to the public.