The Catholic Church in Cusco is actively organizing a historic reception for Pope Leo XIV in Cusco. Specifically, the official pastoral visit will take place on November 15, 2026. This special journey marks the second time in history that a Roman pontiff visits the Imperial City. The last papal visit occurred 41 years ago, when Saint John Paul II arrived in 1985. Consequently, this spiritual reunion unites thousands of faithful, religious communities, and Quechua-speaking families across the southern Andes.
Marian Assembly in Sacsayhuamán and the Golden Rose
The first central ceremony will unfold across the historic esplanade of Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park. Thousands of parishioners, clergy members, and rural delegations will gather on the open grounds. The core event of this assembly is the formal presentation of a golden rose to the Virgin of Belén.
Locally revered as “Mamacha Belén,” this holy figure stands as the recognized patroness of the city. Furthermore, a papal legate canonically crowned her as Queen of the City of Cusco on December 8, 1933. Archbishop Monsignor Richard Alarcón stated that this Marian gathering highlights authentic popular piety. In addition, the celebration aims to strengthen the social and spiritual commitment of local devotees.
Angelus Prayer and Holy Shroud Gift at the Plaza de Armas
Following the assembly at Sacsayhuamán, the pontiff will travel toward the historic Plaza de Armas of Cusco. There, the program gathers diocesan priests, consecrated religious orders, seminarians, and persons with disabilities. During this public rite, Pope Leo XIV will recite the Angelus prayer, deliver a pastoral address, and impart his apostolic blessing.
The gathering brings forward centuries of distinctive Andean devotion and ecclesiastical tradition:
- Presiding Sacred Image: The revered effigy of the Lord of the Earthquakes, sworn patron of Cusco, will preside over the main plaza altar.
- Vatican Gift: The Holy See will officially present a ceremonial shroud as an official gift for the sacred patron image.
- Historical Devotion: The Christ figure originally processed through town on March 31, 1650, following a devastating earthquake that struck the region.
- Spiritual Catechesis: The 85 parishes of the archdiocese conduct weekly Holy Hours on Thursdays to study the pastoral role of the pope.
- Quechua Evangelization: Priests and catechists share spiritual messages in native Quechua across rural communities and high-altitude valleys.
Recalling Pastoral Roots in the Southern Highlands
Pope Leo XIV previously visited Cusco in 2021 while serving as a bishop with the Peruvian Episcopal Conference. During that period, church leaders held joint working sessions to update diocesan statutes. Local clergy remember him as a serene, humble, and thoughtful pastor during those meetings.
During the health restrictions of the pandemic, he also served as a co-consecrator during the ordination of a local auxiliary bishop. Furthermore, Cathedral staff members recall his genuine interest in supporting native Quechua communities across the high Andean regions. To follow upcoming ecclesiastical communiqués and scheduling advisories, consult the Archbishopric official portal. Ultimately, the people of Cusco anticipate this apostolic journey as a powerful message of peace, pastoral closeness, and spiritual unity.
