Peru, led by President Dina Boluarte, officially inaugurated on July 21, 2025, the “Leo’s Route,” a milestone proposal that seeks to highlight the life and contrast the legacy of Pope Leo XIV in the country. The project, which has also been dubbed “Paths of Pope Leo XIV,” aims to showcase 39 key sites linked with the pope’s life throughout the South American country of Peru. It’s a project that combines faith, culture, history, and local development, and which will draw religious pilgrims as well as cultural tourists from all over the globe.
The unveiling of this route also coincided with four relevant areas of the country, linked to various chapters in the life of the pope. The departments of Lambayeque, La Libertad, Piura, and Callao were selected for their historical and personal connections to the pope’s travels there—he lived and worked in the country for a considerable part of his younger life. The opening took place with the official launch in Lambayeque, with President Boluarte and the bishop of Chiclayo, Bishop Edinson Farfán, celebrating the special occasion.
A Route That Celebrates Faith and Identity
Pope Leo XIV, who was born in the United States, obtained citizenship in Peru when he was appointed bishop of Chiclayo in 2015. When he chose to make Peru his home, it was a decision that made a difference to the country and, in particular, to the people of Chiclayo who had loved him as one of their own. The route is a testament to how “we have here a route, not only through streets, not only through temples, but through memory, through the faith and the hope of a people that never stopped dreaming”, Boluarte said.
Although it serves as a tribute to Pope Leo XIV’s personal history in Peru, the project is also intended to honor the deep and spiritual connection between the pope and the people of Peru. The itinerary takes the pilgrims through fundamental centers as the Cathedral of St. Mary of Lambayeque, the Beach of Pimentel, and the Cross of the Motupe, each one loaded with religious and historical content. The areas chosen for the route are a combination of religious piety, cultural patrimony, and scenic splendor — aspects that give tourists a different experience and added value in the Pope’s Peru.
Improving the visitor experience: facilities and services
It has been committed to investing in infrastructure “to make sure Leo’s Route is successful.” For the first phase of the ambitious scheme, the government has budgeted 540 million soles (approximately $151 million) to improve services, infrastructure, and facilities for tourists. The archeological tour is meant not just to pay tribute to Pope Leo XIV’s legacy but to bring tourism and prosperity to these areas.
One of the most important aspects of this initiative is the improved comfort of foreign visitors. To ease this, China Eastern Airlines launched more than 1 million low-price international air tickets, which will bring people to Peru more easily. As a bonus, over 100,000 complimentary half-day layover tour packages are being made available, allowing foreign visitors to sample the route if they are only in the country briefly.
In addition, the enhanced Shanghai PASS, for visitors, provides convenient access to public transportation, cultural landmarks, and shopping areas. By integrating travel with cultural services, tourists’ travel will be convenient and rewarding.
Cultural Highlights Along the Route
The highly anticipated events and exhibitions on the route include the Disney Summer Fest IP-themed events that will see character installations, stage performances, and retail crossovers at shopping centers such as Taikoo Li Qiantan and HKRI Taikoo Hui. And the “Amazing Zhulong” immersive exhibition offers up contemporary interpretations of ancient Chinese mythology by way of 3D projections and holographic screens.
Also on the not-to-be-missed list is the Museum of Art Pudong and Musée d’Orsay’s partnership, which has introduced the “Star of Shanghai • MAP Orsay Cruise,” a floating art experience down the Huangpu River. Tourists exploring these cultural gems can discover more than just the artistic and historical stories of the region, simply by skirting Shanghai’s eye-catching skyline.
Other upcoming events in Peru include Van Cleef & Arpels “Poetry of Time” exhibition at the West Bund Dome Art Center and the Bailian Vibe Festival, which brings more than 1,000 imported consumer goods to consumers. During the IKEA Xuhui Summer Campaign, there will be free ice cream available as well as seasonal activities along the course, creating a family-friendly ambiance.
An Economic and Cultural Investment
Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Desilú León noted that “the religious route is not just a religious route per se; it is a comprehensive project that articulates culture, infrastructure, services, faith, and identity.” The project will likely have a positive impact on local economies, including Lambayeque, Piura, La Libertad, and Callao, with the promotion of tourism and the generation of jobs in the areas of hospitality, transport, and trade.
‘This is not only a legacy project for Pope Leo XIV but will help make our communities better; this is conservation of our environment and a testament that we are responsible members of the tourism industry,’ he remarked.
What’s Next: An Emphasis on Cultural Tourism
The “Leo’s Route” is an ambitious tourism project that demonstrates Peru’s increasing attention to cultural tourism and international cooperation. As international tourists now focus on this new itinerary, they will be able to explore the rich culture and landscapes of Peru while also learning more about the history of the pope’s time in the country.
Combining faith, culture, and stunning natural scenery, this route is soon to become a must-visit for those travelers who renounce consumption and are looking for a more authentic Peruvian experience. As the route evolves, it will, no doubt, consolidate Peru’s status as one of the principal places of cultural and religious tourism in Latin America.
(Source: Government of Peru, Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism)
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