Pope Leo returns to Chiclayo, Peru, in emotional homecoming

An emotional return to Chiclayo, a city dear to Pope Leo. As a young missionary, Father Robert Prevost spent nearly two decades in Peru, and eight years here as a bishop. He ordained priests, helped communities overcome disasters, and as he says, he always felt at home. Um. On Friday, the head of the Catholic Church celebrated Mass clearly moved and thankful. What a joy to return to Chiclayo. It is a blessing for me to be with you again. Thank you for your affection, your support, and especially for your concern regarding my health during this challenging time, a trial that, with God's help, I am overcoming. Tens of thousands of Peruvians hurried through the dust and under the scorching sun of the Pimentel desert plain to pray with him. No, que nunca iba a estar. No, I never imagined I would be in this moment of receiving. Because for me, the Pope is a saint. The man from Chiclayo is here in my heart. He may have been born in Chicago, but Pope Leo says his hometown is Chiclayo, a city of mainly poor people. But today, many say they are among the most privileged in the world. Muy privilegiado. I feel very privileged. We people from Chiclayo feel very privileged that there is a pope who is Peruvian and from Chiclayo. Many came from far away. Mercedes Zedillo came all the way from Ecuador with her family. I'm so excited because it's as if he was the very same Christ. It's as if we're actually seeing him. In the last leg of his tour in Peru, the pontiff has called on political leaders to protect vulnerable Peruvians, asked the clergy to put an end to sexual abuse, and told the youth to follow their dreams. But for now, this day is one of meeting friends from years past. Mariana Sanchez Al Jazeera, Chiclayo.