Emotional Air Traffic Controller Welcomes Pope Leo XIV ‘Home’ Upon Arrival in Peru
The tearful message began with Scripture: ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’
Standard landing protocols gave way to an emotional, unscripted moment in the skies over Lima, Peru, on Nov. 11, when an air traffic controller broke into tears while welcoming Pope Leo XIV back to Peru.
Following the conclusion of his apostolic journey through Argentina, the Pontiff’s plane was approaching Jorge Chávez International Airport for a homecoming of sorts.
Once routine aviation procedures were completed, a controller working in the airport’s tower requested permission from the pilot to address Pope Leo XIV directly over the radio.
Granted authorization, she delivered a heartfelt greeting on behalf of the nation, quoting Scripture to mark his return to his homeland.
“Holy Father, from the control tower at Jorge Chávez International Airport, Peru rises up today to welcome you and say to you with joy, as Psalm 118 says: ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,’” she began.
The controller went on to share the deep anticipation of the Peruvian faithful, expressing hope that the Pope’s pastoral visit would leave a lasting spiritual impact across the country.
¡Se quebró! La emotiva bienvenida de una controladora aérea al papa León XIV 🥹✈️🇵🇪 La emoción se hizo presente en los cielos peruanos. Una controladora aérea dedicó unas conmovedoras palabras al papa León XIV desde la torre de control del aeropuerto internacional Jorge Chávez, durante su llegada al Perú.
— TVPerú Noticias (@noticias_tvperu) November 11, 2026
“We are expectant for what God will do through you, for the words that may touch many hearts, and for the message that will turn our gaze back to Jesus. May your visit strengthen our faith and encourage us to live a little more like Jesus,” she said.
As she neared the end of her message, emotion overwhelmed her and her voice broke as she offered a deeply personal farewell to the Holy Father:
“Welcome home, Dad and Pope Leo XIV! Welcome from the entire crew.”
According to local reports, the pilot responded to the tower shortly after, confirming that the Holy Father had listened to the entire message and was deeply moved by the warm reception.
