The city of Chiclayo, Peru, has unveiled a towering new statue of Pope Leo XIV, celebrating the deep spiritual and cultural ties the Holy Father forged during his decades of ministry in the country.
The sculpture, which rises 16 feet high on a 6-foot pedestal, now greets all who enter the northern city where Pope Leo—formerly Bishop Robert Prevost—served from 2014 to 2023. The work was crafted in fiberglass and resin by Peruvian artist Juan Carlos Ñañake alongside a team of six collaborators, who dedicated three months to completing the project.
Ñañake called the effort both artistic and devotional, saying it was important that the monument convey the heart of the Pope’s pastoral style. “We wanted Pope Leo XIV to reflect serenity and approachability,” the artist said, according to Catholic News Agency via the the Andina news agency. “His smile will welcome all who come to Chiclayo.”
Local civil leaders highlighted that the statue represents not only artistic achievement but also gratitude for the Pope’s long service in northern Peru. Félix Mío Sánchez, who oversees foreign trade and tourism for the region, noted that the piece “symbolizes the gratitude of the people of Lambayeque to the Holy Father for his message of love, hope, and unity,” according to CNA.
The bishop of Chiclayo, Edinson Farfán, blessed the new sculpture during the inauguration. In his remarks, he emphasized that honoring the Pope’s legacy calls the whole community to continue walking in unity. “By blessing this sculpture, we renew our commitment to walk together: Church, state, institutions, and citizens under God’s gaze, to continue serving Pope Leo XIV with humility and generosity,” he said.
Farfán also reflected on the impact of Pope Leo’s leadership during his time in the diocese. Calling him “the pope of communion,” the bishop added that “his example [should] inspire our public and community actions, and may his witness remind us that governing and serving is also an act of love.”
Regional governor Jorge Pérez echoed this sentiment during the celebration, describing the monument as an act of heartfelt gratitude. He called the Pope “a Peruvian at heart, a Peruvian who walked with us and I am sure walks with us today through his prayers for the well-being of our people,” according to CNA.
Pope Leo XIV obtained Peruvian citizenship in 2015 and updated his documentation this year. Before becoming bishop of Chiclayo, he served for more than two decades in Chulucanas and Trujillo, working closely with local communities as an Augustinian missionary.
Chiclayo’s mayor, Janet Cubas Carranza, also thanked the Pope for elevating the city’s profile internationally, saying he had “put Chiclayo on the world map,” according to CNA.
The statue’s inauguration became a regional festivity, complete with traditional northern marinera dancing, a fireworks display, and a performance by musician Donnie Yaipén, who sang “La Cumbia del Papa,” according to CNA. The event concluded with the ceremonial lighting of the new monument to the first American and Peruvian pope.
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