The city of Chiclayoin the Lambayeque region, was officially recognized as the spiritual birthplace of Pope Leo XIVaccording to the Law No. 32472published today in the legal regulations offprint of the Official Gazette The Peruvian.
The standard, approved by the Congress of the Republic and promulgated by the Executive poweralso declares the implementation of the tourist-cultural route “Paths of Pope Leo XIV”.
Symbolic and spiritual recognition
According to the legal text, the recognition responds to the “symbolic and spiritual value” of Chiclayo, city where the now Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church, Robert Prevost (Pope Leo XIV)carried out important social and pastoral works before being appointed Pope.
During his work in the Lambayeque region, Prevost developed multiple service activities, including care for flood victims caused by the El Niño Phenomenon between 2016 and 2017.
“Paths of Pope Leo XIV”: a new cultural route
Law 32472 also declares national interest the creation and implementation of the route tourist-cultural “Paths of Pope Leo XIV”which will include religious and heritage spaces in different regions of the country.
This initiative includes cultural and religious places in:
- The Constitutional Province of Callao
- The departments of La Libertad, Lambayeque and Piura
Interinstitutional coordination
The law tasks the Ministries of Culture and Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur)as well as the regional and local governmentscoordinate the actions necessary to execute these declarations within their powers.
Solidarity work in Chiclayo
Before his election as Pope, Robert Prevost promoted solidarity actions in favor of the Lambayecan population, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The campaign highlighted “Oxygen of Hope”which allowed the acquisition two oxygen generating plants for local hospitals, for the benefit of patients affected by the virus.
With this recognition, Peru seeks to consolidate the figure of Pope Leo XIV as spiritual and humanitarian referenceas well as promoting religious tourism in the north of the country.
Key data
- Law: #32472
- Publication: October 28, 2025 (El Peruano)
- Recognition: Chiclayo, spiritual birthplace of Pope Leo XIV
- Route declared of national interest: “Paths of Pope Leo XIV”
- Geographic scope: Callao, La Libertad, Lambayeque and Piura
- Responsible entities: Ministry of Culture, Mincetur, regional and local governments
- Character: Pope Leo XIV (Robert Prevost)
- Featured works: aid for El Niño (2016–2017) and “Oxygen of Hope” campaign during the pandemic
Frequently asked questions
What law recognizes Chiclayo as the spiritual cradle of Pope Leo XIV?
Law No. 32472, published on October 28, 2025 in El Peruano.
What regions does the Paths of Pope Leo XIV route include?
Callao, La Libertad, Lambayeque and Piura.
Who promulgated the rule?
The Executive Branch, after its approval in the Congress of the Republic.
Why did Chiclayo receive this recognition?
For the spiritual value of the pastoral work of Pope Leo XIV (Robert Prevost) in the region.
What institutions will execute the cultural route?
The Ministry of Culture, Mincetur and regional and local governments.
