Overview
- Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela reports that Vatican communications indicate the pope intends to come to Peru this year, though no date is set.
- Peru sent the formal invitation on January 7, later reiterated by President José Jerí.
- Authorities project the visit for October or November following the April 12 general elections.
- Peruvian and Vatican teams are coordinating security, protocol and logistical details for the trip.
- The head of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference put the odds of the visit at roughly 80%, citing recent papal gestures toward Peru.