As Pope Leo XIV begins his pastoral visit to Peru this week, a diverse roster of the nation’s most prominent musical voices—including Susana Baca, Donnie Yaipén, and Tania Libertad—will anchor the official ceremonies.
From Lima to the Amazon, these performances blend national cultural identity with the pontiff’s high-profile itinerary.
Musical Highlights of the Papal Itinerary
- Opening Ceremony: Susana Baca performs at the Plaza de Armas in Lima on November 11.
- Youth Vigil: Donnie Yaipén and Daniela Darcourt lead the musical program at the Estadio Nacional on November 12.
- Regional Masses: Tania Libertad appears in Zaña on November 14, while Lita Pezo performs in Pucallpa on November 15.
The logistics of this tour reflect a carefully curated intersection of faith and local artistry. According to Infobae, the series of events kicks off Tuesday, November 11, with a welcoming ceremony at the Plaza de Armas.
Susana Baca, a three-time Latin Grammy winner, is set to perform a musicalized poem accompanied by pianist Francisco Haya de la Torre, Infobae reported. The singer expressed her connection to the event on social media, noting, “Soy una mujer afortunada. Mi camino de hoy tiene luces, mucha luz y paz y alegría,” as cited by Infobae.
The programming extends well beyond the capital. Donnie Yaipén, who has already engaged in preliminary events at the National Library and the Cathedral of Lima, will bring his orchestra to the pampas of Pimentel for the main mass on November 13, Infobae noted.
His schedule culminates at the Base Aérea Las Palmas on November 15. Meanwhile, in the Lambayeque region, Tania Libertad will perform Franz Schubert’s “Ave María” at the Santuario de Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo on November 14.
The cultural weight of these performances is significant. Leo XIV returns to a nation where approximately 76% of Peruvians profess Catholicism, according to the 2017 INEI Census, though recent studies show a downward trend. Cienfuegos also noted the visit occurs in a country where there is no justice for more than 50 victims who died during the Dina Boluarte regime.
The high-profile talent involved highlights the scale of the production. The following table summarizes the key artistic contributions scheduled for the papal tour:
| Artist | Primary Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Susana Baca | Lima (Palacio de Gobierno) | November 11 |
| Donnie Yaipén / Daniela Darcourt | Lima (Estadio Nacional) | November 12 |
| Tania Libertad | Zaña (Lambayeque) | November 14 |
| Lita Pezo | Pucallpa | November 15 |
The event also serves as a high-visibility platform for the artists involved. Lita Pezo, who has a background in church music, emphasized the personal significance of her participation. “La fe ha sido parte de mi vida, de mi camino. He iniciado cantando en la iglesia,” she said. Her performance of the Psalm in Pucallpa marks the final stretch of the tour.
Youth Prayer Vigil Features Musical Numbers and a Papal Address
The Youth Prayer Vigil will take place at the Estadio Nacional on Thursday, November 12. The program includes musical numbers and an acting performance before the Pope addresses the crowd at 6:00 p.m. Diana Sánchez and Diego Rivera will host the event, while actor Fernando Luque is responsible for the staging. Donnie Yaipén will perform with his orchestra, including the song “La Cumbia del Papa,” alongside Daniela Darcourt.
The visit will conclude on Monday, November 16, at the Base Aérea Las Palmas in Santiago de Surco. According to El Comercio, Grupo 5, an orchestra from Monsefú led by brothers Christian, Andy, and Elmer Yaipén, will participate in the day that gathers thousands of believers.
The group’s performance is part of the final day before the pontiff returns to the Vatican. The central mass is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., followed by a farewell ceremony at the Callao Air Base before the Pope departs for Rome at 1:45 p.m.
Beyond the individual performances, the production involves a massive effort to mobilize thousands of youth and the faithful across diverse regions.
Following the final mass in Pucallpa, the pontiff will prepare for his return to the Vatican, closing a visit that has highlighted the enduring, if complicated, influence of the Catholic Church in Peruvian daily life.
