Pope Leo XIV Leads Prayer Vigil for Young Catholics in Lima

Pope Leo XIV led a prayer vigil for young Peruvian Catholics and students at Lima’s National Stadium as he reached the final leg of his 12-day tour of South America.

About 60,000 people filled the stadium, while an estimated 300,000 others gathered outside, according to the source report. The event brought worshippers together for prayer, reflection, singing and chanting.

Large crowds welcome the pope

The pope arrived at the stadium in an open-sided vehicle, smiling and waving to spectators along the route. Some people ran beside his escort, while others held placards, balloons and miniature figures of him.

As darkness fell, tens of thousands of attendees switched on the torches of their mobile phones, lighting up the stadium stands during the vigil.

The gathering followed Pope Leo XIV’s visits to Uruguay and Argentina and formed part of the concluding stage of his South American tour.

Strong links with Peru

Born in the United States, Pope Leo XIV is identified by his birth name, Robert Prevost. He spent more than two decades serving the Church in Peru, including as Bishop of Chiclayo.

Prevost became a naturalised Peruvian citizen in 2015. He has also described Peru as his “homeland”, while some people in the country affectionately remember him as “Padre Roberto”.

The Lima vigil highlighted the continuing connection between the pontiff and communities he served before becoming pope.