In small Andean town, Pope pays tribute to missionaries, encourages prayer amid hardships

November 15, 2026

Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass on November 14 in Santa Cruz de Succhabamba, a remote town of 5,000 in the Andes Mountains of Peru (video 1, video 2).

The town is located in the Diocese of Chiclayo, which Pope Leo led from 2014 to 2023, first as apostolic administrator and then as bishop. The Pontiff departed by helicopter from Chiclayo (video) and arrived at the heliport in Santa Cruz de Succhabamba after a 45-minute flight (video).

At the Parish of the Immaculate in Santa Cruz, Pope Leo prayed before the Blessed Sacrament and the image of Señor del Costado (the Lord of the Wounded Side) before greeting some disabled persons and celebrating Mass.

In his homily, the Pontiff said he wished to “honor with gratitude the memory of the many missionary priests and men and women religious who, over the centuries, have worked generously and devotedly to spread the Kingdom of God on these hills.”

“Since the arrival of the first missionaries, from Turibius of Mogrovejo to the Martyrs of Chimbote, the seed of the Gospel has never ceased to take root and bear fruit in these lands, quietly, far from applause or great recognition,” Pope Leo preached. “In this way, here in the Andes, faith has grown simply and genuinely, founded on the daily living of Gospel values and expressed in traditions and festivals that bring peoples and generations together.”

“Our prayer of thanksgiving also rises for the catechists who, often in the absence of priests and not without sacrifice, provide pastoral care for the communities, guiding their brothers and sisters in the celebration of the Liturgy of the word, preparing them for the Sacraments, visiting the sick and responding to their needs,” he continued. “Let us give thanks to the Lord for the countless laypeople who are committed in different ways to proclaiming the Gospel, both here and throughout the world.”

Pope Leo also advised the town’s residents to turn to the Lord amid hardships, as did the widow in the parable in the day’s Gospel reading at Mass (Luke 18:1-8).

The Pontiff concluded:

Dear brothers and sisters, the Lord knows the paths you travel, your hardships, your worries and the challenges you face. He understands the hopes of the young, inspires the wisdom of the elderly and does not abandon you.

When the soul wanders aimlessly, he is the way. When strength is lacking, he is your nourishment. When discouragement arises, it is he who rekindles hope.

Let us ask our Lady of the Immaculate Conception never to cease protecting us beneath her mantle, and may the Eucharist we celebrate renew the faith in all of us, strengthening our commitment and dedication. And may el Señor del Costado, venerated with such devotion here in Santa Cruz, bless you, protect you and always inspire thoughts and gestures of unity, charity and peace.

At the conclusion of Mass, the Pope said extemporaneously:

Before giving the final blessing, I just want to share one more brief reflection. We have heard the words of the Gospel in which Jesus asks, “when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” I know that if Jesus decides to come to Santa Cruz, he will find faith. Thank you for your witness. Thank you for your faithfulness to the Church. Thank you for joining us on this beautiful journey.

 

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Further information:

• Apostolic Journey to Peru: Holy Mass (Dicastery for Communication - Vatican Media, 11/14/26)
• Departure from Chiclayo and Arrival in Santa Cruz de Succhabamba, Holy Mass on the esplanade of Santa Cruz de Succhabamba (Holy See Press Office, 11/14/26)
• Pope Leo greets faithful at parish in Santa Cruz and asks for prayers (Vatican News, 11/14/26)
• Pope in Santa Cruz: Jesus calls Church to heed unanswered cries for justice (Vatican News, 11/14/26)