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Pope Leo crowns Mary statue in his former Peru cathedral

Pope Leo XIV crowned a statue of the Virgin Mary at Chiclayo cathedral in Peru, where he began as bishop in 2015, and entrusted his ministry to her

Christian World | Pope Leo XIV crowned a statue of the Virgin Mary at Chiclayo cathedral in Peru, where he began as bishop in 2015, and entrusted his ministry to her

ACW | November 14, 2026 — Pope Leo XIV crowned a statue of the Immaculate Virgin at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Chiclayo, Peru, on Saturday, the cathedral where he began his ministry as a bishop, Vatican News reported.

The ceremony, held with a Liturgy of the Word on the fourth day of his visit to Peru, was "particularly significant," the pope said. He called the crown a sign of gratitude and filial love toward Mary, the city's patroness.

Speaking of widespread violence and suffering, Leo said God's gift still shines. "To your Immaculate Heart I entrust today my life and my ministry as Successor of Peter," he prayed.

He urged the people of Chiclayo to walk together as one family under Mary's protection and closed by praying that the faithful become builders of peace and reconciliation.

Streets around the cathedral were filled with Catholics who came to see the pope, EWTN News reported. Neither outlet gave a crowd figure.

Background: Then-Bishop Robert Prevost began his ministry in Chiclayo at the cathedral in 2015 and served there until 2023, when Pope Francis named him prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, Vatican News said. He earlier celebrated Mass in the city (Pope Leo urges Chiclayo faithful in Peru to share Christ).

Why it matters: In the cathedral where he was first a bishop, Leo pointed to "widespread violence and unspeakable suffering" and asked Catholics to become builders of peace and reconciliation, Vatican News reported.

ACW will continue to follow this story.

Sources: Vatican News — Pope entrusts his life to Mary where he began episcopal ministry in Peru; EWTN News — report from Chiclayo cathedral

Photo: Vatican Media

Correction, November 15, 2026: An earlier version quoted the pope as speaking of "widespread violence and suffering." Vatican News quotes him as saying "widespread violence and unspeakable suffering." The quote has been corrected.