Lenten campaign 2026
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On the eve of a national strike and protest, Peru’s Catholic bishops have issued a heartfelt plea for peace and unity on October 15, invoking the Lord of Miracles — whose image and devotion fill the country’s streets every October. “Violence never brings justice or development,” the bishops affirmed in a statement released by the Peruvian Bishops’ Conference (CEP).
Signed by the CEP’s presidency, the communiqué describes the bishops as “pastors accompanying their people in this singular moment of our nation,” and echoes the words of Pope Leo XIV, expressing the hope that Peru “may continue along the path of reconciliation, dialogue, and national unity.”
The bishops reminded citizens that “Peru needs us united — in justice and respect, in democracy and freedom, in reconciliation and peace.” They called on the faithful and all Peruvians to stand especially with “the weakest and most forgotten in our society,” insisting that hope must not be extinguished even amid uncertainty.
Acknowledging that “every citizen has the right to protest and freely express ideas,” the bishops underscored that this right must always be exercised “in peace, respect, and fraternity, because we are all brothers and sisters, members of one nation.”
They warned that violence “destroys coexistence, weakens democracy, and wounds the soul of the people.” Instead, they urged Peruvians to unite “with determination, to overcome insecurity, crime, corruption, and the poverty that afflicts so many.” Echoing the traditional hymn to the Lord of Miracles, they added: “Together, let us make our Peru great.”
The message concluded with a prayer: “May the Lord of Miracles help us build a country of true brothers and sisters, united in faith, hope, and love for Peru.”
A nation in crisis
Peru is currently facing deep political and social turmoil. Rising violence and organized crime have shaken the nation, including a recent armed attack during a concert by the popular band Agua Marina.
In September 2025, polling firm Ipsos reported that then-President Dina Boluarte’s approval rating had plummeted to just 3%, with a 96% disapproval rate. On October 10, Congress voted to remove her from office for “permanent moral incapacity,” replacing her with José Jerí, the former president of parliament.
The October 15 strike has been organized primarily by transport unions demanding government action against extortion and crime. Amid this unrest, the bishops’ message offers a moral compass — an appeal to conscience that transcends politics: peace is not passivity, but the courage to build together.
