El Callao is developing a 14-meter tall sculpture dedicated to Pope Leon XIV, which will be inaugurated in the “Gaelito” Children’s Park in November 2026. This monument is linked to the pope’s visit to Peru, scheduled from November 11 to 16, 2026.
The statue will be erected near the exit of the Costa Verde towards Chucuito and will become the tallest in Peru dedicated to a pope. It is inspired by the legacy of Robert Prevost, known as Pope Leon XIV, who served as the apostolic administrator of the Callao Diocese during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Callao Provincial Municipality, during that time, the pontiff supported the community through virtual masses and social support activities.
The monument, which will have a two-meter pedestal and withstand winds of up to 120 kilometers per hour, will be crafted by sculptors Deyvi Wong Arana and Rafael Gutiérrez Quispe. A 12-meter metal structure will be used, covered with a marble-like finish. Approval for the project was granted by the Board of Councilors of the Callao Provincial Municipality, and its construction will be made possible thanks to a donation from Caja Huancayo.
The “Gaelito” Children’s Park will also host recreational, sports activities, and areas for children, and will be named after Jesús Gael Alejandro Rodríguez, a four-year-old boy who passed away in 2026 after rescuing his sister from a fire. Mayor César Pérez expressed that this space aims to be a meeting point for the residents of Callao, representing pride and unity for the community.
The pope’s visit aligns with the objectives of the tourism sector. The Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Rogers Valencia, stated that this visit will provide an opportunity to showcase the culture and spirituality of Peru. He anticipates that the pontiff’s tour could boost economic activity in the cities visited, along with an increase in international flights to the country.
Lima is positioning itself as one of the main destinations in the Americas for conventions, and the Ministry aims to strengthen this sector in other regions such as Arequipa and Cusco.
Source: www.infobae.com
