Pope Leo XIV has expressed concern over migration, declining birth rates and poverty in rural communities, saying the suffering of people forced to leave their homeland in search of better opportunities has placed communities under threat.
The pontiff made the remarks during a visit to Santa Cruz de Succhabamba, a remote town in the Andes mountains of northern Peru, where about 20,000 people gathered to welcome him, despite the village having a population of approximately 6,000, according to the Vatican.
Addressing worshippers during an outdoor Mass on Saturday, Pope Leo highlighted the challenges confronting rural communities, including “declining birth rates that are emptying villages,” and the unequal distribution of land resources.
The Cajamarca region, where the town is located, has the highest poverty rate in Peru, with more than 40 per cent of its population living in poverty, according to official data.
The region has also recorded significant internal migration, with about 729,000 people born in Cajamarca now residing in other parts of Peru.
During his sermon, the Pope thanked those who travelled to attend the Mass and urged them not to lose hope despite the difficulties they face.
Santa Cruz de Succhabamba is part of the Diocese of Chiclayo, where Pope Leo served as bishop between 2015 and 2023.
During his tenure, he visited the remote community several times annually to minister to its rural population.
He returned to the town by helicopter on Saturday and was welcomed by residents singing and cheering before touring the area in a popemobile.
Speaking at a local parish, the Pope expressed his happiness at returning to the community, saying, “It is like a very big dream that the Lord has allowed this servant to come here.”
Rev. Kevin Noriega, who was ordained by the then-bishop in 2018, said the visit had generated excitement and renewed hope among residents.
He said, “People are eager to experience this Holy Mass … because after so much time they will be able to see their bishop – ‘Father Robert,’ as they used to call him – now as the Holy Father.”
Peru is the final and longest stop on Pope Leo’s first Latin American tour since his election in May 2025.
The 12-day visit has also included Argentina and Uruguay, with the Peruvian leg holding particular significance for the US-born pontiff, who lived in the country for extended periods between 1985 and 2023 and became a Peruvian citizen in 2015.
He is expected to leave Chiclayo on Sunday for Cusco before visiting the Peruvian Amazon, with the tour concluding on Monday ahead of his return to Rome.
