Religion
Pope Leo’s Emotional Return to Peru Draws Millions
Pope Leo’s Peru visit draws millions as he returns to the country that shaped his ministry and calls for national reconciliation
Pope Leo XIV has received an extraordinary welcome in Peru, with an estimated three million people gathering along the streets of Lima on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, to celebrate his return to the country where he spent more than two decades serving as a Catholic missionary and bishop.
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The visit marked the beginning of the final and most personal leg of his South American tour, following stops in Uruguay and Argentina. For the pontiff, who was born in Chicago, the return to Peru was more than an official papal engagement.
It was a homecoming to a country whose people and communities played a significant role in shaping his religious life.
Leo, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, was welcomed at Callao Air Base by President Keiko Fujimori and other government officials. Children presented him with flowers, while crowds gathered along his route into Lima, waving Peruvian and Vatican flags and chanting his name.
The Vatican, citing local officials, put the crowd at approximately three million, making it the largest public gathering of Leo’s papacy so far.
Addressing Peruvian authorities and representatives of civil society at the Gran Teatro Nacional, the Pope spoke warmly about his years in the country and the relationships he built with its people.
He recalled sharing in their daily lives, listening to their concerns and learning from their faith. He also drew laughter when he referred to his fondness for ceviche, one of Peru’s best-known traditional dishes.
“Today I understand how much of this land remains with me and how much of my own story also belongs to you,” he said.
The pontiff added that he was returning with deep gratitude to what he considered his homeland.
Leo’s connection to Peru dates back several decades.
He served as an Augustinian missionary in the country before becoming bishop of Chiclayo, a position he held from 2015 to 2023. He acquired Peruvian citizenship in 2015, becoming the first Peruvian citizen to lead the Catholic Church.
His return has generated widespread excitement, particularly in communities where he previously worked. Residents have celebrated his visit with murals, souvenirs and other displays of affection.
A 14-metre statue of the Pope has also been erected in Callao ahead of his arrival.
Beyond the celebrations, Leo used his first major address in Peru to encourage national unity and urge political leaders to rebuild public confidence.
Speaking directly to Fujimori, he called for honesty, integrity, dialogue and greater attention to the concerns of ordinary citizens.
He also touched on the country’s painful political history, urging that past events be addressed with justice and sensitivity.
Although he did not directly name her father, former President Alberto Fujimori, his remarks carried significance because of the former leader’s controversial record.
Alberto Fujimori, who governed Peru between 1990 and 2000, was convicted of human rights abuses and spent years in prison before receiving a controversial pardon in 2017. He died in 2024.
President Keiko Fujimori described the Pope’s visit as an important opportunity to advance national reconciliation, acknowledging that Peru still faced the difficult task of overcoming decades of division and mistrust.
She said disagreements should not turn citizens into enemies and urged political actors to use democratic institutions and dialogue to address their differences.
Leo’s visit is expected to take him beyond Lima to several places associated with his previous ministry.
His itinerary includes Chiclayo, where he served as bishop, as well as Cusco and Pucallpa, where he is scheduled to meet missionaries and representatives of Indigenous communities in the Amazon.
He is also expected to celebrate Mass at several locations before concluding his six-day visit to Peru on November 16 and departing for Rome.
The Peru visit follows large gatherings in Argentina, where millions attended outdoor Masses during the Pope’s tour.
His appearance in the region has drawn particular attention because he underwent lung cancer surgery less than a month before the trip, although he has appeared in good health during his public engagements.
For many Peruvians, however, the significance of the visit goes beyond the crowds and ceremonies.
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It represents the return of a religious leader whose years of pastoral service established a lasting connection with the country.
The Aranse Oluwa Central Mosque, on 17, Paul Street, Abule Egba, Ojokoro Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, has finalized arrangements to host its much-anticipated Turbaning and Merit Award Celebration on Sunday, November 8, 2026, starting from 10:00 am prompt
The event will see prominent community leaders and devout Muslims honoured with chieftaincy titles and merit awards in recognition of their steadfast dedication to Islam and community development.
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Among the key honourees, Alhaji Tade Asifat will be officially turbaned as the Saraki Adeen of the central mosque.
Speaking on the conferment, a distinguished guest highlighted Asifat’s long-standing philanthropy and service to humanity, noting that the recognition was long overdue.
“Alhaji Asifat has consistently demonstrated selfless service to Islam and humanity. His unwavering commitment to uplifting the needy and advancing the growth of the Muslim community makes him thoroughly deserving of the Saraki Adeen title,” the guest stated.
Reacting to the announcement, Asifat expressed profound gratitude for the honour, describing it as a call to higher service.
“I feel deeply honoured by this recognition. By the special grace of God, this title is a challenge to do even more, mentor the younger generation, and deepen my contributions to the Muslim community and society at large,” he said.
Other distinguished honourees listed on the official program include Alhaji Akanbi Yusuf (Alakoso Adeen), Alhaja Zainab Sauta (Olori Odo Adeen Obinrin), Alhaja Rashidat Yusuf Titilope (Iyalode Adeen), and Alhaja Khadijat Hamzat (Arowoshe Adeen).
The spiritual gathering will feature prominent Islamic scholars, with Fadilat Sheikh Alhaji Ibrahim Abd. Raheem Alapako (Chief Imam AOCM) serving as the Guest Lecturer.
The event will be co-anchored by Alhaji Imam Abdul Rasheed Isiaka (Imam Ratibi) and Imam Abdulraheem Saad’allah Al Gadowy Al Ilory (Mufasir AOCM).
A stellar gathering of high-profile dignitaries across government, religion, business, and entertainment are slated to lead the grand occasion.
Renowned spiritual leader Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele will serve as the Father of the Day, alongside venerable matriarch Alhaja Bintu Adenola Amusa as the Mother of the Day.
The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, alongside veteran music icon Queen Ayotunde Kofoworola Balogun, head a powerful lineup of top-tier guests of honour expected to grace the event.
Other distinguished personalities featuring prominently on the guest list include King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate), business tycoon Princess Toyin Kolade, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile.
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Also expected are the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Aare Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, alongside legendary music figures Alh. Sir Shina Akanni and Alh. Sulaimon Adio Atawewe, among other distinguished guests.
The Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Ayo Ni O, has announced a week-long funeral programme for its late Spiritual Father and Chairman, His Most Eminence Prophet (Dr.) Emmanuel Abiodun Adewale Alogbo, who died on July 30, 2026, at the age of 93.
The Prophet Alogbo burial programme will run from Monday, October 19, to Sunday, October 25, with lying-in-state ceremonies, services of songs, tributes, a wake, funeral service, interment and thanksgiving.
The programme was announced in a statement by the church’s Conference Secretary General, Senior Special Apostle Prophet (Dr.) Anthony Olusesan Samaye, under the direction of the Acting Spiritual Father, Most Senior Special Apostle Pastor (Dr.) Gabriel Olayinka Kassim.
According to the church, the burial planning committee, led by Most Senior Special Apostle Adebisi Adedire, has completed arrangements for the funeral rites.
The Secretary of the committee, Senior Special Apostle Prophet Abiodun Ogunsakin, said the arrangements were aimed at giving the late cleric a befitting burial in recognition of his decades of service to the church and the spread of the gospel.
The activities will involve several Christian organisations and C&S bodies, including the Christian Association of Nigeria, Organisation of African Instituted Churches, Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria, C&S Movement Church Worldwide, Ayo Ni O and New Seraphs.
Funeral Programme
Activities will begin on Monday, October 19, with a family-only lying-in-state at the deceased’s residence from 7am to 10am.
A public viewing will follow at Blue Roof, Lagos Television, LTV 8, Ikeja, from 11am, followed by an interdenominational service of songs at the same venue from noon to 3pm.
On Tuesday, October 20, a day of tributes and service of songs will be anchored by CAN, OAIC and New Seraph. Lying-in-state will begin at 10am, while the service and tributes will hold from noon to 4pm at Blue Roof.
The Wednesday, October 21, programme will be anchored by the C&S Movement Church Worldwide, Ayo Ni O. Lying-in-state will begin at 9am, with the service of songs scheduled for noon to 4pm at Blue Roof.
On Thursday, October 22, the Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria will anchor the wake service at Seraphim Land, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Maba, Ogun State.
Public lying-in-state will hold from 9am to 10.30am, followed by the wake proper from 11am to 3pm.
Friday, October 23, has been designated for the funeral service and interment. The final public lying-in-state will take place at Blue Roof, LTV 8, Ikeja, from 8am to 9.30am.
The funeral service will follow from 10am to 12.30pm, while interment will take place between 1pm and 2pm at the C&S Movement Church, Kingsland District Headquarters, Oko-Oba, Agege, Lagos.
A reception will follow immediately at Blue Roof.
A private family gathering will hold on Saturday, October 24, at a venue to be disclosed to invited guests.
The week-long programme will end on Sunday, October 25, with a thanksgiving service at the C&S Movement Church, Kingsland District Headquarters, Oko-Oba, Agege.
Prophet Alogbo was installed as the sixth Spiritual Father of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church on May 1, 2024. He was subsequently ordained as the fifth Supreme Head, or Olori, of the Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria on September 20, 2025.
The church’s official records also identify him as its Spiritual Father and Chairman until his death.
The church described Alogbo as a visionary spiritual leader and composer of sacred music whose ministry spanned more than six decades.
According to the church, he established the first branch of the movement south of the River Niger in 1960 and played a significant role in its growth and expansion.
His death was formally announced by the church on July 30, with the movement describing his transition as the end of a long period of spiritual leadership.
President Bola Tinubu had also expressed condolences following Alogbo’s death, describing him as the Supreme Head of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide and the Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church.
The church has called on members and the public to continue praying for the bereaved family and the church, while giving thanks for the late cleric’s life, ministry and contribution to the growth of the Cherubim and Seraphim movement.
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