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Vatican Voids May 11 Papal Audience After Peru’s Leadership Change

Peru now awaits a new Vatican date for President José María Balcázar to formally renew the invitation for a possible papal visit later this year.

Overview

  • Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela confirmed the May 11 meeting is no longer valid and said the government is waiting for the Holy See to set a new date.
  • The original audience was arranged for then–interim leader José Jerí Oré, whose censure and removal led to José María Balcázar assuming the presidency.
  • The reprogrammed audience would allow Balcázar to personally deliver a formal invitation for Pope León XIV to visit Peru.
  • Church and government officials say a visit remains possible toward the end of 2026, often cited as November–December, subject to Vatican scheduling and diplomatic steps.
  • Peruvian Episcopal Conference head Monseñor Carlos García Camader emphasized that papal travel requires an official presidential invitation and coordinated state protocols.