The President of the Republic, Keiko Fujimori, stated on Wednesday evening that Pope Leo XIV’s historic visit to the country is a call for national reconciliation and the search for common ground.
During the Supreme Pontiff’s meeting with authorities, civil society, and the diplomatic corps at the Grand National Theater in Lima, the Head of State said that no country can live imprisoned by its wounds.
“This historic visit also calls on us to reflect on our most urgent and pending task: national reconciliation. We have endured many decades of confrontation and mistrust,” the President stated.
Peru’s top official mentioned that, as citizens, we must learn that disagreements must not turn us into enemies.
“We must learn to resolve them through democratic mechanisms: debate and institutions,” Fujimori said.
“Let us seek common ground where, despite our differences, we can come together to address people’s needs, share hope, and share our faith,” she added.
The President indicated that reconciliation requires us to work tirelessly to close gaps and understand that wealth and economic investment are truly sustainable only when they generate shared prosperity for all.
In this regard, she welcomed the presence at the ceremony of former presidents of the Republic, political leaders, and members of different congressional groups.
The President noted that we do not have to think alike to recognize one another as brothers and sisters and work together for the benefit of Peru.
“Reconciliation is not simply a political agreement, nor is it the imposition of a particular perspective,” Fujimori said.
“It will only be possible if we begin to understand and address the pain and needs of others,” she underscored.
El Niño Phenomenon
The President noted that Pope Leo XIV’s visit coincides with a challenging time for Peru, amid the threat posed by the El Niño phenomenon and the difficulties of daily life, which have caused fear and uncertainty in many households.
“And this is where we must remember that while fear can lead us to despair and paralyze us, faith fills us with light and gives us the strength to move forward,” Fujimori stated.
“In the face of a fearful world, Peruvians are called to be brave men and women,” she pointed out.
The Head of State also highlighted Pope Leo XIV’s pastoral work in the country, recalling that, at the age of 29, he left his hometown of Chicago, United States, to travel to Chulucanas, in Piura region, northern Peru.
