Pope Leo XIV to visit Pucallpa

Pope Leo XIV will visit Pucallpa, marking the first time a pope has traveled to the city. While he will be the third pope to visit the Amazonian region, his visit to Pucallpa is a new development.

The visit will include participation from the Shipibo-Konibo, Asháninka, and Kukama ethnic groups, as well as Achuar deacons trained by Father Luigi Bolla. The Pope and local communities will plant a shihuahuaco tree to symbolize communion and environmental care. The encounter addresses social and environmental challenges in the Amazon, including deforestation and drug trafficking.

Monsignor Martín Quijano, the apostolic vicar, said the visit serves as a sign that the Church views the Amazon as important. He noted that the visit is intended to help the message reach marginalized territories. Local assemblies and preparation sessions are focused on listening to the concerns of the communities.