Cajamarca invites Pope Leo XIV to preside over the historic Corpus Christi 2026 party

The Provincial Municipality of Cajamarca sent Pope Leo XIV a Official invitation To preside over the celebration of Corpus Christi 2026, one of the most representative religious festivities in northern Peru.

The letter, signed by the provincial mayor, Joaquín Ramírez, was personally delivered to the Holy Father on September 10 in Rome by the Cajamarquino painter José Chávez Tejada, during a general hearing. The Pontiff received the document “with a lot of pleasure,” according to the local delegation.

In The text addressed to the PopeRamírez affirms that “our city of Cajamarca, in the bicentennial of our independence, is the need to reaffirm its historical, cultural, religious and spiritual unity identity, organizing the Festivities of Corpus Christi in the year 2026, with the illusion that this event is an international event of faith.”

Likewise, the mayor highlights the tradition of this solemnity: “The Corpus Christi of Cajamarca represents one of the most important religious traditions in the country. Its celebration dates back to the 16th century and, since then, it has been a reason for deep popular devotion, cultural and social expression that has allowed the strengthening of Cajamarquina identity, its social cohesion and its projection to the world.”

The letter adds that the presence of the Pontiff would be a sign of blessing: “It is certain that the assistance and presence of your holiness in this celebration will mean a blessing for the Cajamarquinos and all the faithful of Peru. His presence will allow us to renew faith and live with greater commitment the message of Jesus in the fraternity and love of the neighbor.”

Finally, Ramírez expresses to the Pope the gratitude of the people: “On behalf of all Cajamarquinos, you will receive your holiness, the eternal gratitude for considering this invitation, with the certainty that your visit will be a source of joy and spiritual renewal.”

Enthusiasm in Cajamarca

In Declarations to the Andean AgencyFernando Silva Martos, Tourism and Culture Manager of the Municipality, said that the management had the support of the diocese and that “there is enough enthusiasm for the Pope’s relationship with Peru, with the north of the country and Cajamarca is present.”

The official explained that “he talked about the Pope’s relationship with the country, with Cajamarca when touring the province of Santa Cruz. As a result, it was agreed to do the management to come on 2026, also invite the bishops of the north of the country since the Corpus Christi is recognized as one of the main festivities in both Cusco and Cajamarca.”

He also stressed that the proposal “was high through the Nunciature, which is the official religious channel, and with foreign relations to raise the formal request at the government level.”

Silva revealed that “we have knowledge that The Holy Father could come in June or July 2026it coincides with our holiday that is June 4 ”.

The invitation also acquires a historical value, the official recalled, because “in Cajamarca evangelization began in 1532 with the meeting of two worlds, the fusion of two cultures, the end of the Inca Empire. We are close to fulfilling 500 years of that historical event of the encounter between Pizarro and Atahualpa, the scene of the change in world history”.

The possible visit of the Pope, he added, would be “transcendental for Cajamarca to make the world visible, for the love that Peru has and by the link with the Catholic religion. Cajamarca was the beginning of the religion of the new Peru, that faith is maintained, it is activated and we are always on that line”.