Pope Leo XIV arrived in Peru, his second home, on Wednesday for a visit he said held “a very special meaning.”

The pope who holds Peruvian citizenship, worked in the country as a missionary and bishop for two decades.

In his first public address in Lima, Leo said his years in the country helped shape him.

“Today I understand how much of this land remains with me and how much of my own story also belongs to you,” he said.

“Distance does not necessarily diminish love for one’s homeland; at times, it allows us to recognize more clearly how much we have received from it.”

He called for Peruvians to “cultivate honesty, integrity,” and a willingness to engage with each other.

“Democratic life implies recognizing that no one has all the answers and that differences do not prevent us from sharing a sincere concern for the good of the country.”

President Keiko Fujimori welcomed the head of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics at the airport in the capital, Lima.

Fujimori’s late father was himself once head of state. During his time as bishop, Leo had repeatedly criticized him.

Leo is expected to stay in Peru for six days.

His schedule includes a trip to 3,700 metres in the Andes, which is considered risky due to the thin air at altitude following Leo’s lung surgery.

The 71-year-old had part of his right lung removed in mid-October due to a malignant tumour.

During his twelve-day tour of South America, the pope has also visited Uruguay and Argentina.

The journey covers a total of more than 30,000 kilometres by air.

Leo intends to deliver more than three dozen sermons and speeches in 10 different cities across varying climates, time zones, and altitudes.

Leo is due back in Rome on Nov. 17.