This Wednesday, November 11, at 5:35 pm, Pope Leo XIV arrived in Peru from Argentina. His visit will conclude on Monday the 16th with a large Mass in Lima. He will spend two days in his beloved city of Chiclayo, where he served as bishop before being named Cardinal and Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. His pastoral visit to Uruguay and Argentina has been fruitful and intense: one event after another. He is now in Peru; he will also have a busy schedule, but he has returned to his homeland: he is at home, in Bethany, surrounded by his people with whom he has shared meals, struggles, and hopes.

The first event in which he participated this evening was a meeting with public officials and members of civil society. The words addressed to him by the current president of Peru, Keiko Fujimori, reminded those present of the Pope’s pastoral work since his arrival in Peru in 1985. The Pope’s message was lengthy, encouraging, and delivered in the Peruvian style—that is, with gentleness, kindness, and without fanfare. There was protocol at this ceremony, but no posturing. And that is how the Peruvian people are with their Catholic faith: fervent, sincere, simple, and devout, though not without the fragility of the human condition.

In Peru, we have a devout people whose fervor is manifested in the diverse popular devotions that draw thousands of faithful: the Lord of Miracles, Saint Rose of Lima, the Virgin of Chapi, the Cross of Motupe. This popular fervor is also an inculturated faith that is expressed in a series of values ​​that shape the ethical foundation of Peruvian society: the defense of human life from conception, the protection of children and families, and religious freedom. Among the characteristics of religious life, the configuration of the Peruvian State in terms of positive secularism stands out. While respecting the healthy autonomy of temporal realities and the separation of Church and State, a fruitful collaboration between the two institutions persists. This is secularism, not laicism. The latter has never existed among us.

In his first message to the Peruvian people, the Holy Father reminded us of the richness of our diversity and celebrated—quoting Benedict XVI—the rich Christian culture that arose from the encounter between the indigenous cultures and the early days of evangelization. This blending of cultures continues through time. It is not uniformity that will lead us forward, but communion.

Amid the noise, clamor, and discord that often accompany the world of politics, the Pope points out that “to understand the needs of those who are far away, it is essential to begin by listening to them (…). Listening requires special patience when faced with disagreements or painful experiences. Peru, too, has gone through difficult times that have tested the coexistence of its inhabitants. The events of the past deserve to be addressed with justice and sensitivity, leaving room for harmony to grow and for differences to be addressed with respect. Democratic life implies recognizing that no one has all the answers and that differences do not prevent us from sharing a sincere concern for the good of the country. I would like to encourage everyone to cultivate honesty, integrity, and a willingness to engage, qualities that sustain trust among people and give strength to the life of institutions.”

I take to heart this advice from the Holy Father: listen, be patient, humble, and honest. In a democratic society, no political actor has all the answers or a magic formula. Humility, therefore, is essential to navigate life without arrogance and to strive to disarm the rhetoric of political discourse.

Welcome, Holy Father, to your home!