In Chiclayo, in northern Peru, the population fervently celebrated the inauguration and blessing of a monumental statue dedicated to Pope Leo XIV, formerly the bishop of this diocese and its apostolic administrator between 2014 and 2023. Installed on a major city roundabout, this work now becomes one of the key landmarks on the tourist itinerary dedicated to the Supreme Pontiff.
The imposing statue, nearly five meters tall and placed on a base of approximately two meters, weighs half a ton. Crafted from resin and fiberglass, it is the work of Peruvian artist Juan Carlos Nanake, a native of Piura, assisted by six collaborators over three months. The artist explained that his goal was to represent the serenity and approachability of Pope Leo XIV, aiming for his smile to welcome all who arrive in Chiclayo.
Regional authorities emphasized the spiritual and symbolic importance of this work. Félix Mio Sanchez, head of foreign trade and tourism, stated that this statue expresses the gratitude of the people of Lambayeque towards the Holy Father for his constant message of hope, unity, and charity. The provincial municipality of Chiclayo was also involved in the entire process leading to the erection of this monumental sculpture.
During the blessing, the current Bishop of Chiclayo, Bishop Edinson Farfan, recalled that this act is part of a shared commitment: to walk together under God's gaze, uniting Church, State, institutions, and citizens to serve Pope Leo XIV in a spirit of humility and generosity. For the prelate, the pontiff is a "pope of communion," whose example should inspire public and community life.
The governor of the Lambayeque region, Jorge Pérez, also emphasized that this statue is a tribute to "a brother" who became profoundly Peruvian through his presence, his pastoral service, and officially, through the citizenship he obtained in 2015. This year again, Pope Leo XIV renewed his documents for his Peruvian identity, testifying to the strong bond that unites him with this country.
Before becoming the successor of Peter, the future Leo XIV, then an Augustinian religious, dedicated more than twenty years of his missionary life to Peru: in Chulucanas, in Trujillo, and finally in Chiclayo where he was bishop. This long-standing fidelity has left a lasting mark on the population, which the statue now publicly commemorates.
The mayor of Chiclayo, Janet Cubas Carranza, expressed the city's gratitude towards the pontiff, stressing that he "put Chiclayo on the world map" through the international visibility given to his former diocese.
The inauguration took place in an atmosphere of popular joy: traditional marinera dance from the north, a concert by singer Donnie Yaipén performing La Cumbia del Papa, fireworks, and the official illumination of the statue of the first pope who is both American and Peruvian. The event constituted a celebration that was cultural, religious, and identitarian, paying homage to the man who was a shepherd before being elected to the See of Rome.