Young volunteers in Peru prepare to welcome Pope Leo

Vatican News

The 130th Ordinary Plenary Assembly of the Bishops of Peru concluded with the launch of “Friends of Leo,” the official volunteer group that will support the Pope’s visit to the country. The initiative will bring together young people and laypeople to help welcome and assist pilgrims during Pope Leo’s visit, scheduled for November 11–17, 2026. 

The Plenary Assembly of the Peruvian Bishops’ Conference gathered together representatives of the Church and institutions involved in preparing for the papal visit. During the event, the bishops expressed their joy at the Pope’s upcoming journey, recalling in particular his ties to Peru and the years he served as a bishop in Chiclayo.

Bishops launch “Friends of Leo” initiative at the close of the Plenary Assembly (Photo: Angela Ponce)   (ANGELA PONCE)

A call to serve

“Friends of Leo” is open to people between the ages of 18 and 45 who wish to put their skills and talents at the service of this important event. Volunteers will be able to assist with welcoming and hospitality, communications, logistics, organization and security, first aid, translation and interpretation.

Under the motto “Serve, care and accompany,” the initiative seeks to make volunteers a welcoming and approachable presence for those taking part in events with the Pope.

Members of “Friends of Leo” will receive spiritual, pastoral, and operational training. They will also be required to follow a code of conduct and comply with safeguarding and safe-environment guidelines. The volunteers’ mission will go beyond carrying out an organizational role. They will also be called to guide, listen to and accompany pilgrims with a spirit of closeness and fraternity.

Registration and preparations for the visit

At the launch of the initiative, the official website for the visit was also presented, with volunteer registration already open. Participants will subsequently receive information about training sessions, credentials and the roles they will undertake.

Organizers emphasized that preparations will continue to move forward over the coming months, with further initiatives and information about the visit’s programme will be announced.

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The young “Friends of Leo” volunteers

As part of the spiritual preparation, the official prayer for Pope Leo XIV’s visit was also presented. It will be translated into Quechua, Aymara and Awajún, with the aim of reaching communities throughout the country.

The official hymn for the visit, “Leo, Brother on the Journey,” also premiered, which had been chosen through a competition jointly organized by the Peruvian Bishops’ Conference and the Archdiocese of Lima.

A visit marked by hope

The Church in Peru sees Pope Leo’s arrival as an opportunity to strengthen the faith and promote values such as unity, peace, hope and solidarity.

With the creation of “Friends of Leo,” young people and laypeople will have the opportunity to play an active role in preparing for and carrying out this important event. The goal is for their service to become a concrete expression of Peru’s commitment to receiving the Pope.