Summary
Peruvian Bishop Jorge Izaguirre, a member of the Congregation of the Holy Cross and bishop of Chosica since February 2024, attended the Peruvian bishops’ ad limina visit in Rome for meetings with Pope Leo. During his stay, Izaguirre expressed his commitment to social action, particularly through prison reform, stating that prisons in Peru are overcrowded, corrupt, and lacking proper medical care. He emphasized the Church’s mission to accompany prisoners and inspire hope. Following an event in Vatican Gardens where Pope Leo blessed a new mosaic and statue of Saint Rose of Lima, Izaguirre highlighted his involvement with the National Prison Ministry. The bishop also served as head of Peru’s prison ministry at the continental level through CELAM. Pope Leo authorized CELAM to place its International Commission for Catholic Prison Pastoral Care under the Dicastery for Integral Human Development, appointing Archbishop Jorge Ignacio García Cuerva from Buenos Aires as president. Izaguirre’s work in prisons is rooted in his early exposure to missionary service and a priest named Luis Barén Gastelumendi. He joined the Congregation of the Holy Cross after working with missionaries who served impoverished areas. In December, Pope Leo granted approval for this change within CELAM’s structure.
Key Topics
Vatican City, Izaguirre, Prison ministry
