But their enthusiasm more than made up for their small numbers when former Bishop Robert Prevost of Chiclayo returned to this coastal city of nearly 700,000 as head of the Catholic Church.
During the visit in an open-air popemobile in the Pampas de Pimentel, a vast desert plain just outside Chiclayo, the crowd erupted in joy, many waving white and yellow Vatican flags.
Some had been waiting since last night to catch a glimpse of the pontiff, many forced to walk as lines of cars blocked roads where vendors sold hats, mini papal dolls and Peruvian sweet bread.
Maria Esther Chozo Reyes, 76, said she took a 12-hour bus from Lima and arrived Thursday afternoon before camping for the night. “He knows the people of Chiclayo and he lived here, he did his mission here,” she told the Associated Press. “We really need his blessing.”
Thanking people for their love and support, Leo said in his sermon that it was a blessing to be in his old home.
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