01:00 | Callao (Callao region), Nov. 10.
Callao Provincial Mayor César Pérez on Monday unveiled a monumental sculpture of the Supreme Pontiff, an imposing 14-meter-tall structure that is now the tallest in Peru dedicated to His Holiness.
The monument is a tribute by the people of Callao to the Holy Father and a new symbol of appreciation for him.
The ceremony was attended by Callao Governor-elect Pedro Spadaro; the Bishop of Callao, Monsignor Luis Alberto Barrera; the chaplain to His Holiness and Episcopal Commission Chairman, Reverend Monsignor Guillermo Inca; and Caja Huancayo Chairman Dr. Jorge Guillermo Solís, the institution that made the donation of this monumental work possible.
The unveiling ceremony featured several emotional moments, including performances by a children’s choir that enlivened the afternoon, as well as the release of a symbolic rosary of balloons into the sky as an expression of faith, hope, and affection for Pope Leo XIV.
The monument is located at León XIV Square. It consists of a 10-meter-tall sculpture with a marble-like finish, mounted on a four-meter pedestal.
The structure is designed to withstand winds of up to 120 kilometers per hour, ensuring its stability and durability.
During the ceremony, Mayor Pérez underscored the importance of this initiative as an expression of the appreciation and faith of Callao’s people.
“Callao is paying a historic tribute to Pope Leo XIV with a monumental sculpture that is a source of pride for all its residents,” Pérez stated.
“We want this space to serve as a gathering place for families and also as a symbol of our city’s affection and gratitude toward our Holy Father,” he noted.
The construction of the monument was made possible through a donation from Caja Huancayo, chaired by Dr. Solís.
The initiative was approved by the Callao Provincial Municipality’s Council of Aldermen as part of efforts to restore and enhance the value of public spaces across the province.
Additionally, the square is located within Niño Gaelito Park, named in memory of Jesús Gael Alejandro Rodríguez, a four-year-old boy who died heroically in March 2026 after rescuing his younger sister during a fire on Loreto Street.
This renovated recreational space features sports facilities for playing soccer, volleyball, and basketball, more than 30 pieces of playground equipment, and pet-friendly areas.
It also features areas designed to promote recreation, social integration, and family interaction among Callao residents.
Through this initiative, the Callao Provincial Municipality continues to promote the restoration of public spaces and the creation of new community gathering places, bringing together infrastructure, remembrance, and recognition for the benefit of residents of the main port.
(END) NDP/KGR/MVB
Publicado: 10/11/2026
