Pope Leo XIV’s Visit to Peru: Bishops Urge Augustinians to Embrace Unity

As the popemobile for Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming apostolic visit to Peru receives its blessing, Cardinal Carlos Castillo, Archbishop of Lima, and Bishop Guillermo Elías, Auxiliary Bishop of Lima and head of the organizing committee for the papal visit, have shared special messages with the Augustinian Family. Both Church leaders encourage Augustinians to experience this historic occasion through the spirit of St. Augustine: with unity, fraternity and a shared commitment to faith.

Peru is making its final preparations to welcome Pope Leo XIV, whose apostolic visit is scheduled for November 11–16. On Wednesday, November 4, the Apostolic Nunciature in Lima hosted the official presentation and blessing of one of the popemobiles that will transport the Holy Father during his visit.

The specially adapted vehicle, designed to allow the Pope to greet the faithful along his route, was blessed by Cardinal Pedro Barreto, Archbishop Emeritus of Huancayo, in the presence of Church representatives and civil authorities.

Yet beyond the practical arrangements, the papal visit carries a particularly profound spiritual significance for the Augustinian Family. Pope Leo XIV’s return to Peru offers an opportunity to rediscover the importance of community, the search for God and unity, all central elements of the Augustinian tradition.

Two prominent leaders of the Peruvian Church shared these reflections in exclusive statements to Augustinians with the Pope.

Cardinal Carlos Castillo: “I Am an Augustinian Too”

Cardinal Carlos Castillo, Archbishop of Lima, offered a warm and personal greeting to the Augustinian Family, recalling his own longstanding connection with Augustinian spirituality.

“It is an honor for me to speak to you because I, too, am an Augustinian,” the cardinal said, explaining that he attended St. Augustine School and had even considered joining the Order of St. Augustine.

“I was going to become an Augustinian friar, but I followed a different path,” he recalled with a smile. With a touch of humor, he added that he eventually ended up following in St. Augustine’s footsteps in another way: by becoming a bishop.

Beyond this personal connection, Cardinal Castillo reflected on one of the most compelling aspects of Augustinian spirituality: discovering God’s presence amid human weakness and imperfection.

“Augustine was both a great sinner and a great seeker of God,” he observed, emphasizing how the Bishop of Hippo’s spiritual journey reminds us that no one is ever beyond God’s love.

For the Archbishop of Lima, Augustine’s experience invites everyone to rebuild their lives through an encounter with the Lord. God does not abandon people in their struggles. Rather, he remains close, encouraging them to take new steps, restore their lives and share them with others.

Cardinal Castillo recalled Augustine’s lifelong search for God and his eventual realization that the Lord had been present all along.

He invited the Augustinian Family to approach the upcoming days with Pope Leo XIV through one of the most celebrated lines from the Confessions:

“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”

The cardinal concluded by encouraging everyone to remain united throughout the papal visit. With characteristic humor, he also pointed to the remarkable coincidence of two men shaped by Augustinian spirituality sharing this special moment: the Pope and himself.

Bishop Guillermo Elías: “Come Together, Share Your Enthusiasm and Work Together”

Bishop Guillermo Elías, Auxiliary Bishop of Lima and president of the organizing committee for Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic visit, also addressed a heartfelt message to the Augustinian Family.

His words focused on one of the defining principles of St. Augustine’s spiritual vision: community.

“One of the keys to Augustinian spirituality is community,” the bishop explained, urging Augustinians to bear witness to their shared identity throughout the papal visit.

“I invite you to come together, to share your enthusiasm, to work together and to walk this journey together,” he said.

For Bishop Elías, welcoming a Pope whose spiritual life is deeply rooted in the Augustinian tradition should strengthen the bonds connecting Augustinian communities around the world.

He also recalled his close relationship with the Fathers of Our Lady of Consolation, another expression of his personal connection with the Augustinian tradition.

His message concluded with a powerful invitation to embrace the occasion “in community, for the community and with the community. May God always accompany you.”

A Papal Visit to Walk Together with One Heart

Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Peru promises to be one of the most significant ecclesial events of the year for the Peruvian Church, with special meaning for the Augustinian Family.

The Holy Father, who spent an important part of his religious and pastoral life in Peru, will return to a country closely intertwined with his personal history and vocation. His apostolic journey will offer opportunities to meet different communities, celebrate the faith and renew hope.

For Augustinians, the visit is also an opportunity to share a spirituality rooted in the inner life, fraternity and the common search for God.

The messages of Cardinal Carlos Castillo and Bishop Guillermo Elías converge on one central invitation: the Pope’s arrival should be more than a large public celebration. It should become an experience of communion capable of transforming the lives of communities.

In the spirit of St. Augustine, the deepest preparation for welcoming the Successor of Peter begins within the human heart and becomes visible when we learn to walk together, with one heart and one soul directed towards God.