A new 16 foot (5 meter) statue of Pope Leo was recently installed in the Pope’s former diocese of Chiclayo, Peru. The smiling statue of the Pope, hand raised in blessing, stands at one of the entrances of the city, welcoming people who arrive via the Northern Pan-American Highway.
Just as Chicago has shown its enthusiasm for its native-born pope through the purchasing of his childhood home and many, many friendly jibes about his favorite baseball team and his favorite pizza, the people of Chiclayo also lay claim to the pontiff whose second home was Peru.
The Pope spent more than two decades there – first as an Augustinian missionary and then as bishop.
Félix Mío Sánchez, regional head of Tourism and Foreign Trade said, “This monument expresses the love and appreciation of the people of Lambayeque for a pastor who walked among them long before he became the Bishop of Rome…With his open smile, Pope Leo XIV will welcome travelers who come to discover our culture, our cuisine, and the spirit of our people.”
The sculpture weighs over a half a ton and is made from resilient fiberglass and resin. It is the work of Peruvian artist Juan Carlos Ñañake. Ñañake, who with help from some other artists, completed the statue in just three months.
“It has been an artistic and spiritual challenge,” the artist said. “We wanted Pope Leo XIV to reflect serenity and approachability. His smile will welcome all who come to Chiclayo.”
Papal walk
The statue is the cornerstone of a planned "Papal Walk" that will feature both sacred and civic themes for residents and visitors to reflect upon. This initiative is part of an effort to bring more awareness and tourism to the Northern region of Peru.
When Cardinal Robert Prevost first appeared to the world as Pope Leo XIV he didn’t neglect to address the people of Chiclayo. They seem to hold a place in his heart just as he does in theirs. In his first address he offered:
“a greeting to everyone and in particular to my beloved Diocese of Chiclayo, in Peru, where a faithful people has accompanied its Bishop, shared its faith and given so much, so much, to continue being a faithful Church of Jesus Christ.”
An Andina news outlet reports that this statue is the first large-scale statue commissioned by a city of Pope Leo. When the statue was unveiled and dedicated, the current bishop of Chiclayo, Edinson Farfán, shared that the statue was more than a tribute, it was a commitment of the people of Chiclayo:
“By blessing this sculpture, we renew our commitment to walk together: Church, state, institutions, and citizens under God’s gaze, to continue serving Pope Leo XIV with humility and generosity.”
