by Dennis Augustine
As part of my three-week trip to Peru last year, Jason and I spent a memorable pre-trip in Lima—walking the very places that shaped Pope Leo XIV. As an Augustine, it struck me deeply to stand in spaces tied not only to my childhood faith but also to my namesake’s spiritual legacy.
We visited sacred sites woven into Peru’s Catholic soul:
Cathedral of Lima – where faith and history meet
Basilica & Convent of San Agustín – a special stop for me
Convent of Santo Domingo – home of St. Martin de Porres & St. Rose of Lima
Sanctuary of the Lord of Miracles – Peru’s beating devotional heart
Recently, a new statue of Pope Leo XIV was unveiled in Lima—capturing him in a gentle, contemplative pose, hand slightly extended as if inviting believers and visitors to deeper compassion. A beautiful tribute to a pope shaped by this city.
