Chiclayo prepares for record breaking papal visit

The Catholic diocese of Chiclayo in Peru is organizing a massive series of events for the return of Pope Leo XIV to the region.

Local residents, schools, and businesses are coordinating logistics for a visit that includes a record-breaking Mass in the seaside town of Pimentel. Organizers have moved quickly to prepare the site, which is expected to host up to 915,000 people. Religious leaders and school students are actively participating in the preparations.

Students at Jesús de Nazaret school are interviewing local leaders to learn about the life of the pope, while other schools are filming music videos and practicing choir performances. At the Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo school, staff members are preparing a private dinner for the pope featuring his favorite desserts. Local artisans and street vendors are also preparing for the crowds by creating themed merchandise and traditional reed boats. Logistical challenges have required several adjustments to the itinerary.

Planners changed the location of a high-altitude Mass because of concerns over wind conditions and unexploded ordnance at previous sites. Authorities have also warned the diocese that attendance at the Santa Cruz de Succhabamba Mass could reach 300,000 people, far exceeding the initial estimate of 70,000. Additionally, workers are currently rushing to finish a renovation of the San Oscár Romero chapel so the pope can speak with a small group of parishioners.