Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori defended her upcoming international trip from November 15 to 21 to attend the APEC summit in China and Japan, which overlaps with the final events of Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic visit. Critics from parliamentary opposition sectors questioned her absence from the pontiff’s farewell mass on November 16.
Why is President Fujimori traveling during the papal visit?
President Fujimori said that her trip to Shenzhen for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit involves unavoidable state obligations. She explained that she attempted to adjust her schedule but that changing the dates was impossible.
“Hemos tratado de hacer malabares, tratar de cambiar la fecha, los horarios y eran imposibles,” said Keiko Fujimori, President of Peru, in an interview with rpp.pe.
She added that her itinerary includes a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on November 17. According to [rpp.pe], the president emphasized that the trip is essential for securing donations and trade agreements to address the El Niño phenomenon.
What did the president say to her critics?
Addressing backlash from parliamentary opposition members regarding her scheduled absence from the Las Palmas Air Base farewell mass, Fujimori rejected claims that she intended to disrespect the pontiff. She said that she made formal requests to travel between November 15 and 21 to attend the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and meet with international business leaders.
“Jamás se me ocurriría desairar a nuestro papa León XIV. Soy católica, todo el mundo lo sabe, católica creyente y practicante,” told Fujimori [rpp.pe].
She urged political opponents not to politicize the religious visit. She described the papal arrival as a moment of national unity and reconciliation.
How is the government preparing for Pope Leo XIV?
While debate continues in the Senate over the travel resolution leaving presidential duties to Luis Galarreta, the government finalized preparations for the papal arrival. Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to land in Lima at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 11, according to [elcomercio.pe].
President Fujimori inspected final rehearsals in the Government Palace’s Patio de Honor, which included performances by the National Choir of children’s groups such as the Conadis choir. Security measures restrict access around Lima’s Plaza Mayor with deployment from the National Police and the Army, Air Force, and Navy. Following his arrival, the pontiff will travel through the capital before holding a meeting with Fujimori at the executive headquarters.
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