This morning, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Leo XIV received in audience the bishops of Peru on their “ad Limina Apostolorum” visit, to whom he delivered the following address:

Address of the Holy Father

Dear brothers in the episcopate,

I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you who have come to Rome for the ad Limina Apostolorum visit. [I am grateful for the kind words that the president of the Episcopal Conference has addressed to me on behalf of everyone.] I ask you to remind my dear children in Peru that the Pope carries them in his heart and remembers them with affection, especially in his prayers.

It seems providential to me that this visit is taking place in the context of the 300th anniversary of the canonization of Saint Toribio de Mogrovejo. You, dear brothers, are the fruit of the evangelical seed that this bishop saint sowed in those lands. Therefore, I would like to propose that, following his example, we look with the eyes of faith on the reality we are facing today, which has been summarized well in the reports that have been sent to me. Rest assured that they have been read attentively.

How can we respond to the many challenges that present themselves today to the Church in Peru today in her task of evangelization? The answer may be found in many of the writings of the first missionaries in America: to live ad instar Apostolorum, that is, in the manner of the Apostles, with simplicity, courage and total openness to being led by the Lord.

To live in this way means, above all, to safeguard and promote unity and communion. The Apostles, scattered throughout the world, remained united in the same spirit and in the same mission. Today, too, the credibility of our proclamation depends on real communion among pastors, and between them and the People of God, overcoming divisions, self-promotion and all forms of isolation; a communion like that sought by Saint Toribio in promoting the Councils of Lima. This meeting is an eloquent sign of the living communion that unites us in faith and mission, and allows me to welcome with gratitude the adherence to Christ and to the Successor of Peter that you express in your ministry.

At the same time, the current challenges demand a renewed fidelity to the Gospel, which must be proclaimed in its entirety. Saint Toribio did not proclaim his own words, but rather a Word he had received, trusting in its transforming power. That same fidelity calls us today to a clear, courageous and joyful proclamation, capable of dialogue with culture without losing our Christian identity.

To live in the manner of the Apostles also implies total dedication to the ministry entrusted to us. They reserved nothing for themselves, even to the point of martyrdom. The witness of Saint Toribio is along the same lines, as he faced dangers and sufferings for one reason alone: love of souls, to bring the love of Christ to the most inaccessible places.

Living ad instar Apostolorum also implies drawing close to those who have been entrusted to us, taking an interest in them, sharing their life and journey. Like Saint Paul, who became all things to all people in order to win them all over (cf. 1 Cor 9:22), we are called to go out to meet them, to listen, to accompany and to understand, in order to bring everyone towards God.

This closeness embraces the presbyterate, seminarians, consecrated life and the entire People of God, with a special predilection for the most fragile and needy. Such a profound closeness that what was said of Saint Toribio can be said of you: that he felt “so much love for everyone that he held them in his heart as if he were the father of each one” (cf. Pos. sup. virt., 503).

Dear brothers in the episcopate, Peru occupies a special place in my heart. There I shared with you joys and struggles, I learned the simple faith of your people and I experienced the strength of a Church that knows how to hope even in the midst of trials. Because of this great affection, I encourage you to bring to fruition in the Church of Peru today the heritage you have received from Saints Toribio, Rosa, Martín and Juan, among many others.

I thank you for this meeting and for all you do to make the Good News resound in every heart. I entrust you to the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy and I gladly impart my Apostolic Blessing to you, which I extend to the priests, to consecrated life and to all the beloved Peruvian people, especially those who most need strength and consolation. Thank you very much.