Holy Smoke

Pope Leo’s homecoming: the strange Catholicism of Peru

24 min listen

In This Episode

Pope Leo has returned to Peru, the country he called home for nearly two decades, in the final leg of his historic South American tour. Greeted by millions of cheering Catholics, the visit has been a personal triumph for the pontiff. But what makes Peruvian Catholicism so distinctive, and how has it shaped his faith?

 

Damian Thompson is joined by Thomas Munson to explore the country’s fascinating blend of Catholicism and indigenous Incan beliefs. Where is the line between adapting Christianity to local cultures and religious syncretism? And what can Pope Leo’s relationship with Peru tell us about the direction of his papacy?

 

Plus: as Catholicism faces declining Mass attendance across much of Latin America, could Pope Leo’s visit inspire a religious revival?

 

Produced by Abigail Brierley.


 

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