Andina

Peru: Flood-stricken town citizens welcome Pope Francis

Photo: ANDINA/Paul Vallejos

13:18 | Trujillo (La Libertad region), Jan. 20.

Following Holy Mass at Huanchaco Beach, Pope Francis on Saturday visited the Buenos Aires neighborhood in Victor Larco Herrera district in northern city of Trujillo.

At the site, he was warmly welcomed by more than 50,000 locals.

The Supreme Pontiff's visit is expected to bring some peace and hope to the ravaged town, severely affected by seven devastating landslides in early 2017 that flooded out around 100 families and affected thousands of others.

Despite some reconstruction works, the narrow streets still bear the scars of Coastal El Niño disasters.


Speaking to Andina news agency, Victor Larco district Mayor Carlos Vasquez underlined the Holy Father's choice to visit the town and meet its residents. 

Vasquez pointed out one of the roads, Libertad Avenue, has been renamed after the Pope as an homage. 

"We have placed a bust of Pope Francis as a reminder of his illustrious visit to Victor Larco," he concluded.

The event was part of Pope Francis' pastoral activities for the third day of his visit to Peru.

(END) LZD/MAO/MVB


Published: 1/20/2018