The esplanade at the Sacsayhuamán archaeological park will accommodate up to 80,000 of the faithful, while the Plaza de Armas in Cusco will host another 50,000—bringing the total to approximately 130,000 people during the pastoral visit of Pope Leo XIV, scheduled for Sunday, November 15, the Archdiocese of Cusco reported.
Multisectoral authorities, organizations, institutions, and volunteers held a final meeting ahead of the arrival of His Holiness to strengthen a contingency plan, ensuring safety and order for the Supreme Pontiff and the thousands of faithful expected to arrive.
Monsignor Israel Condorhuamán Estrada, spokesperson and administrator of the Basilica Cathedral of Cusco, confirmed to the Andina Agency that Sacsayhuamán—the primary venue for welcoming the Holy Father—along with the Plaza de Armas, will collectively accommodate up to 130,000 people.
The actual number of people arriving in Cusco is expected to be even higher, as streets, public squares, and surrounding areas are likely to be overflowing with the faithful—including members of the Catholic community from nearby regions, the southern part of the country, and other nations across the continent.
To manage access to the main event areas, the Archbishopric of Cusco is preparing QR codes and wristbands to identify attendees.
“We are entering into an agreement—a contract—with an organization that will advise us on how to verify each person’s identity using their national ID (DNI), ensuring the safety of the Holy Father,” he stated.
At Sacsayhuamán—a vast esplanade framed by massive Inca megaliths—the general public will be admitted, while the Hawkaypata (Main Square) will be reserved for vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, those with medical conditions or physical disabilities, pregnant women, and children.
Others will be able to watch a simultaneous broadcast in the Regocijo and San Francisco squares, where large screens will be set up. “The Angelus prayer, led by the Pope, will be broadcast worldwide,” the Monsignor explained, though the specific liturgical service to be held at Sacsayhuamán has not yet been announced.
“I anticipate that Sacsayhuamán will be completely packed. Ideally, beyond just seeing or touching him, people would hear his message; however, many will likely be content simply catching a glimpse of him along the route between the airport and Sacsayhuamán—both on his way there and on his return, as he will travel back along the same path,” said Monsignor Condorhuamán.
The Pope’s security will also be managed by the Armed Forces and the Vatican’s Swiss Guard. Coordination efforts for this are already underway.
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Publicado: 23/10/2026
