Published on
August 19, 2025
To welcome more travelers and celebrate faith and heritage, Peru launched the “Los Caminos del Papa León XIV” route on July 2025. The government, the church, and tourism businesses created the path together, honouring Pope Leo XIV—known as Father Robert Francis Prevost before his election—by joining places that shaped his life and mission.
The route weaves through the regions of Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad, and Callao. It links monuments, cathedrals, and towns that guided Father Prevost from his early years to his years as the Chiclayo diocesan bishop from 2015 to 2023, showing the special bond Peru shares with the Vatican’s first-ever pope from its soil. Travelers can walk in the pope’s footsteps while discovering the country’s faith and history.
The Route: An Exploration of Faith and Heritage
Los Caminos del Papa León XIV invites travelers to follow a carefully crafted circuit of 35 landmarks spread across four vibrant regions of Peru. Each site—rustic churches, venerable diocesan offices, and hidden chapels—echoes the steps of the future pope, from his days as a dedicated Augustinian missionary to his elevation as a beloved bishop. More than a historical trail, the route invites visitors to walk the landscapes of faith, culture, and tradition, nurturing both preservation and pilgrimage.
The regions included in the route are:
Piura: Renowned for its colorful colonial past, Piura will highlight the chapels and convents where Father Prevost first learned the rhythms of the desert and the devotion of its people.
Lambayeque: Famous for its ancient pyramids and fine textiles, Lambayeque will host churches where missionaries baptised, taught, and encouraged a burgeoning Catholic culture amid the archaeological splendour.
La Libertad: Here, towering churches and time-worn plazas stood witness as Father Prevost organized pastoral campaigns, built convents, and baptized children along the river valleys and the rugged coast.
Callao: The bustling port and doorway to Lima will serve as a transit hub, linking relics of the past, such as the sea-stacked chapel where the bishop prayed for sailors and the stones of forts that guarded the faith along the Pacific route.
Each segment of this journey is thoughtfully designed to immerse visitors in the history, culture, and spirituality of the areas it passes through. Travelers will find that they are on more than just a pilgrimage; they are on a complete adventure that tells the story of a people and their faith.
Funds and Focus on the Future
The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism is investing $150 million to make this vision a reality. The money will update and restore churches, enlarge key museums, and improve the roads that link each important site. By strengthening these connections, the government aims to keep the treasured historical and sacred places in excellent condition and to make the journey easier and more enjoyable for every visitor.
These upgrades are part of a larger strategy to turn Peru’s rich religious heritage into a magnet for global travelers. The “Los Caminos del Papa León XIV” route invites people to stand in places forever marked by the legacy of Pope Leo XIV and to experience the nation’s living faith in a way that leaves a lasting impression.
Tourism Appeal and International Interest
The new route is set to draw travelers from every continent, focusing on Catholics and religious tourists but welcoming everyone curious about Peru. Bringing in visitors from abroad supports Peru’s goal of expanding its tourism offer. This journey lets tourists go beyond the well-trodden paths of the Inca Empire, revealing a country where buzzing cities meet centuries-old religious traditions.
Religious tourism is key here. Each stop along the route holds deep spiritual value. But Peru doesn’t stop there. From breathtaking mountains to colorful festivals and ancient museums, every visitor can enjoy a trip packed with natural beauty, living culture, and history.
Sculpture of Pope Leo XIV to Support Initiative
A striking 21-foot statue of Pope Leo XIV will soon rise above the southern entrance of Chiclayo. The statue will mark the site of Father Prevost’s eight-year bishopric and will stand as the route’s newest landmark. By celebrating the Pope’s bond with Peru, the sculpture is sure to attract even more visitors and residents, deepening the area’s magnetic appeal.
Plans for the statue, unveiled on July 21, 2025, fit inside the government’s larger mission to honor the Pope and his lasting influence on the nation’s faith. The sculptural centerpiece will forge a direct, lasting link between Peru and the Vatican, enriching the region’s religious and cultural story.
Tourism Growth and Economic Impact
The “Los Caminos del Papa León XIV” route is more than a tour of sacred places. It is designed to lift local economies wherever it goes. More travelers—both Peruvian and from abroad—mean more business for small hotels, family-run restaurants, and local guides. With the government pouring money into roads, airports, and visitor centers, the benefits to every town along the path should be long-lasting and help the entire Peruvian tourism sector grow.
At the same time, the new route protects Peru’s cultural treasures. Money from tourism will help repair and preserve churches, chapels, and historic sites so they keep telling our stories for generations to come.
Conclusion
“Los Caminos del Papa León XIV” is a fresh invitation to walk through Peru’s rich religious history. Thanks to new roads and increased worldwide interest in spiritual travel, the route stands to become both a treasured cultural experience and a lucrative economic driver for the country’s future.
