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Vatican downgrades Peruvian politician’s tickets to papal audience
September 22, 2025
» Continue to this story on Crux
CWN Editor's Note: Rafael Lope Aliaga, the mayor of Lima, Peru, had been assured of front-row tickets to the Pope’s weekly public audience on September 17, but then given less desirable tickets—a change that he attributed to political enemies.
A front-row ticket usually ensured a handshake from the Pontiff. In the case of Aliaga, who is a candidate in next year’s Peruvian elections, a photo of such a meeting with Pope Leo (who has wide appeal in Peru, where he served as bishop) could be politically valuable. Aliaga is a leader of the Popular Renewal Party, which proclaims Christian conservative principles but has been denounced by its opponents as far-right.
Aliaga, who had sought a private audience with the Pope, chose not to attend the public audience.
The above note supplements, highlights, or corrects details in the original source (link above). About CWN news coverage.
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