On June 10, 2023, the Congress of the Republic of Peru registered a formal proposal declaring the city of Chiclayo as the ‘Spiritual Cradle of Pope León XIV’ . This initiative, led by Congresswoman Hilda Marleny Portero López from the *Acción Popular* party, aims to acknowledge the significant contributions of Robert Francis Prevost , now Pope León XIV, during his pastoral work in the, Diócesis de Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023.
This legislative proposal seeks to highlight and reevaluate the deep spiritual connection between the pontiff and the people of Lambayeque . It envisions that the Executive, through the Ministries of Culture (Mincul) and Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) , will promote commemorative, academic, tourism, and educational activities in partnership with regional entities. One of the highlights includes the creation of the “Tourist Route of the Paths of Pope León XIV.”
The proposal emphasizes the “symbolic, pastoral, and spiritual value” of Chiclayo as a place of formation and service for Prevost. The document quotes Pope León XIV, stating, “ Chiclayo taught me to be a pastor with the smell of the people ; there I learned that the Church is community, service, and dedication.” This underlines the profound significance of his local journey.
Portero López, the initiative’s author, remarked that “this recognition not only honors the history of the Pontiff but also elevates Chiclayo’s role as a territory of faith and service in the history of the universal Church .” The project highlights that this declaration offers opportunities to strengthen regional identity , boost religious tourism, and promote cultural activities, generating development and local pride.
The text clarifies that the law is of a declarative nature, meaning it does not involve legal modifications or additional costs to the public treasury, respecting canonical law, cultural diversity, and current regulations. Furthermore, it stresses that promoting Chiclayo as a spiritual center aligns with international experiences that have elevated other cities to renowned religious tourism destinations, such as Wadowice in Poland with St. John Paul II and Buenos Aires with the “ Path of Francis .”
The project has been signed by Congress members Hilda Marleny Portero López, Silvia Monteza Facho, Raúl Felipe Doroteo Carbajo, among others, and it has been submitted to the respective commission for evaluation and eventual debate.
The “ Tourist Route of Pope León XIV ” is a project initiated by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, in collaboration with regional leaders from Lambayeque . This route aims to establish northern Peru as a destination for religious tourism . It connects iconic sites from Robert Prevost’s pastoral life, such as the Chiclayo Cathedral , the Convent of San Agustín in Saña, the Divine Child Sanctuary of Miracles in Ciudad Etén, and the Cross Sanctuary of Chalpón in Motupe.
Along this route, memories and testimonies of Prevost’s evangelizing work in the region will be preserved, such as the crowning of the image of the Divine Child in Etén. The circuit aims to recover the spiritual and social impact left by the Pope, enhancing collective memory and fostering a sense of community among residents.
Simultaneously, projects for the recovery and improvement of religious and cultural infrastructure will be developed through Works for Taxes to strengthen tourism offerings, stimulate the economy, and create local jobs. Additionally, the plan will include a technical assessment of attractions conducted by PromPerú and the Vice Ministry of Tourism , integrating the route with other festivities and emblematic destinations in Lambayeque. The proposal aspires to solidify the region as a pilgrimage site and a national reference in religious tourism .