The Vatican Press Office reported that on the afternoon of November 12, Pope Leo XIV met with six abuse survivors at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lima, Peru. The meeting occurred shortly after 4:30 PM. The individuals had suffered abuse by clergy or church institutions, some linked to the Sodalitium of Christian Life. The Pope listened to their stories and discussed fostering change through listening, truth-seeking, healing, and creating safe environments. He thanked them for their testimony, expressed closeness to all victims, and gave his blessing. The encounter lasted over an hour.
Translated from EspañolAlso reported by 23 outlets
Pope Leo XIV began his first apostolic visit to the Americas in Uruguay on Friday, nearly four decades after Pope John Paul II's 1988 trip. Despite recent lung surgery, the Pontiff met with authorities, civil society, and youth in Montevideu, Paysandu, and Florida. He emphasized family values, healthcare access, and the common good. The journey continued in Argentina, where crowds honored his predecessor, Pope Francis. Leo XIV addressed organized crime, economic justice, and social doctrine in Buenos Aires, Claypole, and Córdoba. He visited a prison and concluded with a farewell Mass in Lujan, urging Christians to combat secularization and serve the vulnerable across both nations.
During Pope Leo XIV's visit to Peru, a meeting with abuse survivors from the Sodalicio de Vida Cristiana revealed deep divisions. Journalist Camila Bustamante, a victim of the Siervas del Plan de Dios, reported the Pope expressed personal commitment to investigating abuses and listening to victims' frustrations. Conversely, José Enrique Escardó, an earlier accuser, claimed he was excluded from the meeting. Escardó criticized the secrecy surrounding the encounter and rejected the Church's focus on forgiveness, demanding justice and protection policies instead. The incident highlights conflicting perspectives on how the Vatican handles historical abuse cases within this religious group.
Pope Leo XIV arrives in Chiclayo, Peru, on Friday for a visit to the city where he served as bishop for nearly eight years. The first American pope, who also holds Peruvian nationality, is concluding his South American tour after stops in Uruguay and Argentina. Locals welcome him with banners and displays, recalling his past charity work during floods and the pandemic. The pontiff, recently recovering from lung cancer surgery, will celebrate a mass for nearly a million people and meet with clergy and students. This stop is considered the most emotional part of his journey.
Translated from FrançaisAlso reported by 3 outlets
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Giorgia Doglioni on UnsplashGood news
Pope Leo XIV addressed a large crowd of young people at Peru’s national stadium in Lima on November 12, 2026. During this third youth prayer vigil of his South American tour, the pontiff emphasized that friendship with Christ is essential for discovering one's life path. According to local authorities, approximately 60,000 people attended the event, with another 300,000 watching nearby. The Pope encouraged attendees to listen to God's voice and serve others, noting that all vocations, including priesthood, marriage, or consecrated life, are calls to service. He also discussed the meaning of passion and suffering, citing Christ’s example.
Pope Leo XIV visited Lima, Peru, on Thursday, November 12, to address violence against women and girls. He first urged Peruvian bishops to handle internal church abuses with truth and justice. Speaking at the Plaza Mayor, he then condemned a macho mentality and called for the protection of young girls. This sequence aimed to establish credibility before addressing societal issues. According to the article, Peru's Ministry of Women recorded over 13,000 rape cases in 2025, with six out of ten victims being minors.
On November 11, an air traffic controller in Lima, Peru, emotionally welcomed Pope Leo XIV as his plane arrived at Jorge Chávez International Airport. The controller, speaking from the tower, quoted Psalm 118 and expressed the hopes of the local faithful for the Pope's pastoral visit. She broke down in tears while saying,
Konstantin Rudnev, a Russian spiritual figure, was arrested in Argentina in March 2025 alongside nineteen other women. Authorities accuse him of leading a group called Ashram Shambhala and human trafficking. Rudnev had previously served eleven years in a Russian prison following a 2013 conviction. Researchers Massimo Introvigne and María Vardé are investigating the case, noting that the detained women claim they did not know Rudnev before the arrests. The article details Rudnev's background, including his youth in Novosibirsk and his avoidance of Soviet military service through psychiatric hospitalization. The group denies the allegations made by prosecutors and media outlets.
Pope Leo XIV presided over a youth vigil in Lima, Peru, addressing approximately 400,000 attendees at the National Stadium. The Pontiff interacted enthusiastically with the crowd, singing and applauding before delivering a message centered on passion, vocation, and friendship. He encouraged young people to pursue what is true and good, warning against the dangers of sin while urging them to trust in Christ. The event highlighted the Pope's connection with Peruvian youth, who welcomed him with chants and flags. According to the report, the Pope emphasized that following God's will does not require abandoning personal dreams but rather finding deeper fulfillment through faith and service to others.
Translated from ItalianoAlso reported by 20 outlets
Pope Leo met with six sexual abuse survivors in Lima, Peru, on Thursday during his ongoing South American tour. The Vatican stated the discussion focused on improving how the Church listens to victims and fostering healing. This was the second such meeting during his trip, which also included stops in Uruguay and Argentina. One survivor, Camila Bustamante, described the encounter as a significant milestone, though she noted that closure remains difficult for many. The Pope, a former missionary in Peru, previously helped dissolve a controversial religious community linked to abuse allegations. Critics have questioned the inclusivity of recent papal meetings with survivors.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Father Robert Prevost, visited Lima, Peru, where he was greeted by millions of people along a ten-kilometer route from Callao airport. The outlet reports that the Pope, who previously served as a missionary and bishop in Peru, expressed deep gratitude for the warm reception. Despite recent health issues requiring surgery, he appeared joyful. He stated that his time in the country shaped his heart and that he feels he is returning home. The article highlights the emotional connection between the Pontiff and the Peruvian faithful, noting his past service in the region's poorest areas.
Peru has declared Pope Leo XIV's handwritten naturalization application a national cultural heritage. The Culture Ministry in Lima made this decision following the Pope's return to his second home. Born in the US as Robert Francis Prevost, he applied for citizenship in 2015 to serve as bishop in Chiclayo. Millions celebrated his arrival in the capital. The document includes his signature and fingerprint. The Pope remains in Peru for a twelve-day trip, returning to Chiclayo on Friday. He also met with victims of sexual abuse in the church during his visit to Lima, according to news agencies.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Bishop Robert Prevost of Chiclayo, has arrived in Peru for a pastoral visit expected to draw three million people to Lima. The Pontiff, who holds Peruvian nationality, addressed political leaders, urging honesty and rectitude to combat corruption and polarization. He emphasized that democracy should foster dialogue rather than conflict. During a youth vigil in Lima, he encouraged young people to pursue truth and goodness without fear. The schedule includes stops in Chiclayo, Cusco, and Pucallpa until November 17, aiming to heal a deeply divided society through faith and unity.
Chilean journalist Camila Bustamante, a victim of abuse by the Servants of God's Plan, met with Pope Leon XIV in Peru on Thursday. She stated the pontiff expressed deep personal commitment to investigating these cases and repairing harm to victims. Bustamante, author of the book 'Servants', reported that the Pope showed genuine interest and surprise regarding the specific abuses within the group linked to the Sodalice of Christian Life. She urged the Vatican to conclude the investigation process to ensure justice, noting that prolonged procedures can be damaging. The Sodalice was previously dissolved by Pope Francis due to numerous abuse cases.
Pope Leo XIV addressed approximately 50,000 young people in Lima, Peru, urging them to dedicate their talents to the service of others. The pontiff emphasized the importance of kindness and passion in building a supportive society. This gathering highlights the Church's focus on engaging younger generations in charitable actions. The event took place in the Peruvian capital, drawing a large crowd of attendees eager to hear the spiritual message. The appeal for service aims to inspire positive social change through individual contributions and community support.
Pope Leo XIV gathered approximately 52,000 young people at Lima's National Stadium on Thursday, according to El País. The pontiff, who previously served as bishop in Chiclayo, encouraged the attendees to pursue meaningful goals and embrace their cultural heritage. The event featured local performances and testimonies, including reflections on recent social unrest. Archbishop Carlos Castillo honored two youths killed during 2020 protests. The Pope, recovering from lung cancer surgery, will continue his visit to other Peruvian cities before returning to Rome on Monday, the 16th.
Pope Leo XIV performed the song 'Alma misionera' during a youth vigil at the National Stadium in Lima, Peru, on Thursday. The event drew approximately 60,000 attendees inside the stadium and 300,000 more in the surrounding areas, according to Vatican figures. The pontiff, who previously sang the piece in Argentina, addressed the crowd with messages of hope and unity. The song, composed in 1981 by Argentine Mónica de la Canal, has been a staple in Latin American Catholic communities for over four decades. This visit marks the longest leg of his Latin American tour, which also includes stops in Uruguay and Argentina.
Pope Leo XIV was warmly welcomed by thousands of young people in Lima, Peru, during a large faith vigil on November 12. The crowd chanted and applauded, calling him the Peruvian Pope and telling him Lima is his Vatican. The Pontiff responded with smiles, laughter, and an OK gesture, visibly moved by the reception. This event marked a joyful atmosphere as millions gathered in the city to celebrate his visit, which he described as a return to his homeland where he previously served as a missionary and bishop.
During his apostolic journey in Peru, Pope Francis held a prayer vigil with young people and students at the National Stadium in Lima. The event took place in the afternoon, following a welcome by Lima Archbishop Carlos G. C. Mattasoglio. Three young witnesses shared their personal faith journeys, highlighting struggles with loneliness and grief. The Pope then addressed the crowd, urging youth to reflect on their passions and vocations without fear. He emphasized that Jesus cares for their dreams and sorrows, encouraging them to find strength in friendship with Christ and to serve others through their unique talents.
Translated from Tiếng Việt
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