Pope Francis visits Chile and Peru

ENGLISH

The clear differences in the reactions generated by Pope Francis in Chile and Peru during this month’s Latin American tour did not go unnoticed by the world. This is due to the reduced support and reception that the Pontiff had in Chile, unlike the massive welcome that Francisco has received since he stepped on Peruvian soil.

However, the political and social context in which these visits took place would play a key role; in addition to - among other aspects - the changes in the perception of the Catholic Church in both countries after the denunciations against its members for physical, sexual and psychological abuses to minors.

The government of Michelle Bachelet estimated that at least 1.5 million people participated in the events that the Supreme Pontiff held during the three days he was in Chile, before retiring quickly to Peru. This figure would show the small influx of the faithful to the events planned for the papal visit.

It has been affirmed that one of the reasons is the decrease in the Catholic population officially registered in Chile (60%); and the various protests in the form of rejection of Francis’ arrival, which left 89 people in detention.

Days before Francis’ arrival, the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Pietro Parolin, indicated that the arrival of the Pope would not be "simple"; while the archbishop of Santiago, Ricardo Ezzati, affirmed that Jorge Bergoglio would receive "a church in crisis, but a crisis that is a blessing."

A highly criticized point occurred at the end of the Mass at Lobito Beach, in Iquique -which only 90,000 souls attended-, where the Holy Father outlined a controversial defense of Bishop Juan Barros, accused of covering up the sexual abuse of minors.

"The day they bring me a case against Bishop Barros, then I'll talk. There is not a single proof against him, everything is slander," said the Pontiff in a very serious tone about the alleged accusations that weigh on Barros.

While this was happening, in Peru thousands of people were preparing to receive the representative of Christ on earth, upon his arrival at Air Group N°8, in Callao, and the route that this would take through the main streets of the city until reaching what would be his temporary residence in the country, the Apostolic Nunciature.

Between balloons and banners, cries large and small have accompanied the Pope in the various activities that he has carried out both in Lima and Puerto Maldonado (Madre de Dios) and Trujillo (La Libertad).

In his massive presentations in the country, Francisco thanked the effervescence with which the Peruvian people have received him. (Correo)