LIMA - Pope Leo XIV arrived in his "beloved" Peru, a nostalgic return to the nation where he spent two decades as a missionary before being tapped to lead the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.
The 71-year-old pontiff landed in Lima on the last leg of an arduous three-nation Latin American tour, just weeks after undergoing surgery for lung cancer.
"The pope is Peruvian!" exclaimed some of the estimated three million supporters who lined the streets along the route from the airport, as phalanxes of soldiers in red and green berets stood guard.
Speaking to authorities and diplomats shortly after his arrival, Leo described Peru as his "homeland," saying years spent working in the country and acquiring Peruvian citizenship had made it part of him.
He urged Peru's leaders to confront painful chapters of the country's past with "justice and sensitivity," touching on deep divisions that still scar national politics.
In the audience was President Keiko Fujimori, whose father Alberto Fujimori led Peru through the turbulent 1990s and a brutal war against Maoist Shining Path rebels.
Some 69,000 people were killed or disappeared under Fujimori senior's harsh rule, and the disgraced late president was jailed for corruption and crimes against humanity.
- 'Hope and peace' -
Throughout the pope's trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru he has not shied away from tackling sensitive political and social topics.
Six days in Peru will see Chicago-born Leo travel from the deep Amazon to the high Andes. He will visit Cuzco, at more than 3,400 meters (11,000 feet) elevation, a test for this recovery from lung surgery.
He will also make an emotional return to Chiclayo, the northern city where he was bishop for a decade.
But he will also find a nation politically divided and grappling with rising crime, living costs and recurring natural disasters.
"It's like when mom or dad shows up while we're fighting with a sibling -- pulling each other's hair -- and they step in and say, 'take it easy, calm down, give each other a hug,'" said Jessibel Quispe, a 39-year-old mother and homemaker.
"The pope coming is a message of hope and peace, that will help our politics a lot," she said.
In his remarks, the pontiff said Peruvians should be able to live and work "without fear," while urging authorities to strengthen efforts to prevent natural disasters and protect lives.
- Protections for the poor -
Seven of Peru's last 14 presidents have been jailed or placed under house arrest for corruption or other crimes.
The pope began the day in Lujan, Argentina, drawing more than three million people for a mass that was part farewell, part homage to his late Argentine predecessor, Pope Francis.
"Thank you, Argentina, for welcoming me with open arms," he said, addressing the largest crowd of his 18-month papacy.
The faithful climbed fences, barriers, trees and lampposts to catch a glimpse of their spiritual guide.
"It was a unique, unforgettable experience," Daiana Rivero, 36, told AFP. "The pope's visit leaves a very powerful emotion and I feel this is going to be a turning point for our country," she said.
In Argentina, Leo pointedly demanded a more inclusive economy and better protections for the vulnerable -- comments widely interpreted as criticism of aid-slashing President Javier Milei.
"There is room for everyone, especially the neediest: the poor and hungry, migrants, the sick and prisoners," he said in Argentina, sporting a white-and-sky-blue robe -- the colors of the national flag.
- AFP