Pope Leo XIV calls for peace in Peru amid rising crime rates

Pope Leo XIV has issued a strong appeal for an end to the escalating violence in Peru, advising the population to respond to injustice with steadfastness rather than brutality. The pontiff made these remarks while visiting communities where he previously served as a bishop, reconnecting with the faithful in regions that have been significantly affected by social unrest and crime.

Speaking at his former cathedral in Chiclayo, the Pope expressed a sense of urgency regarding the current climate of fear. He stated that he feels threatened by the uncertainty surrounding widespread violence and the profound suffering that continues to impact many of his brothers and sisters. His words reflected a deep personal connection to the struggles faced by the local populace.

The call for peace comes against a backdrop of alarming statistics. Official figures indicate that Peru’s homicide rate has nearly doubled over the last five years, rising from 5.8 to 10.7 per 100,000 people. Additionally, reported cases of extortion have surged dramatically, climbing from 2,421 in 2019 to 26,734 in 2025. These trends have made security a primary concern for voters in recent elections.

In response to these challenges, Conservative President Keiko Fujimori, who took office in July, has prioritized tackling crime. She has implemented several states of emergency, including measures in Lima in August and in prisons housing inmates linked to criminal organizations in September. Furthermore, the administration has sought closer ties with Washington, integrating Peru into the 'Shield of the Americas,' a US-led regional coalition designed to conduct joint military operations against drug cartels.

On Saturday, the Pope traveled to the Andean town of Santa Cruz de Succhabamba, a community with a population of approximately 6,000. Despite its small size, the town hosted around 20,000 people for an outdoor Mass. During the ceremony, Leo addressed the broader issue of violence in society, emphasizing spiritual and communal responses to adversity.

The leader of the Roman Catholic Church urged the congregation to overcome selfishness and evil through prayer, patience, and perseverance. He encouraged the faithful to denounce what is wrong with determination and to work diligently to bring about necessary changes. This message resonated with the local community, many of whom have faced significant hardships in recent years.

Leo also highlighted the specific challenges facing rural communities, noting that migration and declining birth rates are causing villages to empty out. He drew attention to the suffering of those who are forced to leave their homeland in search of a better future for themselves and their families, often moving to the large coastal cities. His comments underscored the demographic shifts impacting the region's traditional social structures.

The Pope, who is originally from Chicago and was formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost, arrived in Santa Cruz de Succhabamba by helicopter. He was greeted by a local band singing a welcome song that referenced his status as a homecoming figure. This arrival marked a significant moment for the community, given his long history in the area.

Prior to his papacy, Leo had made numerous journeys to this remote area during his tenure as bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023. During that period, he often drove himself along winding mountain roads in a pick-up truck to reach these isolated parishes. His personal familiarity with the terrain and the people adds a layer of authenticity to his current advocacy.

Holding both US and Peruvian citizenship, Leo spent about two decades working in Peru as a missionary priest and bishop. His extensive experience in the country allows him to speak with authority on the local issues, bridging the gap between the global Church and the specific realities faced by Peruvian communities today.