World · Latin America · 1 hr ago
Pope Leo XIV condemns suffering of enslaved Africans during Peru visit
Pope Leo XIV condemned the suffering and humiliation of enslaved Africans during a visit to Zaña in northern Peru on Saturday, November 14.
He made the remarks during a visit to the city.
The comments followed a historic apology for the Holy See’s role in legitimising the transatlantic slave trade in the Americas.
The Pope also made a concrete gesture of remorse in Peru after that apology.
The issue is the Catholic Church’s past role in legitimising the trade.
His remarks keep attention on the harm experienced by enslaved Africans.
The sources do not say what further steps will follow.
Pope Leo XIV condemned the suffering and humiliation endured by enslaved Africans during a visit to Zaña in northern Peru on Saturday, November 14.
He led a prayer service at the sanctuary of St. Turibius of Mogrovejo, a historic site in Afro-Peruvian culture.
The visit followed an apology in his first encyclical for the role of past popes in legitimizing slavery and failing to condemn it.
An estimated 100,000 enslaved Africans were brought to Peru after Spanish conquistadors arrived.
Afro-Peruvian communities continue to face barriers to advancement, according to Daily Sabah.
- Who
- Pope Leo XIV.
- What
- He condemned the suffering and humiliation endured by enslaved Africans.
- When
- Saturday, November 14, 2026.
- Where
- Zaña, in northern Peru.
- Why
- The visit brought attention to the history and cultural heritage of Peru’s African-descended community. The sources also link his remarks to his apology for the church’s role in legitimizing slavery.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
In his first encyclical, Pope Leo XIV apologized for the role of past popes in legitimizing slavery and failing to condemn it.
Pope Leo XIV visited Zaña and condemned the suffering and humiliation endured by enslaved Africans.
- Visit date
- November 14, 2026
- Location
- Zaña, northern Peru
- Prayer service
- Sanctuary of St. Turibius of Mogrovejo
- Enslaved Africans brought to Peru
- An estimated 100,000
- Afro-Peruvians recorded in Zaña
- 1,311 in the 2017 national census
2 sources
What people are saying
It is impossible not to feel deep sorrow when contemplating the immense suffering and humiliation endured by so many in stark contrast to their immeasurable dignity as persons infinitely loved by the Lord.
For this, in the name of the church, I sincerely ask for pardon.
I believe that one of the most important things in the history of Afro-Peruvians is that we did not remain submerged despite our history of suffering.
We are an Afro-Peruvian people who have learned to forgive.