Peru's Gift to the Vatican: A Marian Mosaic and St. Rose of Lima Statue Unveiled

A new Marian mosaic and a statue of St. Rose of Lima now stand in the Vatican Gardens, gifted by Peru's Catholic community. The artworks were unveiled during a ceremony led by Pope Leo XIV, who has deep ties to the South American nation. Despite steady rain, the event brought together Peruvian bishops and artists in a moment of shared faith and celebration.

The two pieces were crafted by young artisans from the Don Bosco Family of Artisans, a group based in the Peruvian Andes. Under the guidance of Father Ugo De Censi, these creators shaped the mosaic and statue as symbols of devotion. The mosaic honours Peru's Marian traditions, depicting seven of the country's most cherished representations of the Virgin Mary. Alongside it, the statue of St. Rose of Lima—the first saint of the Americas—stands as a reminder of Peru's enduring faith.

The ceremony took place during the Peruvian bishops' ad limina visit, a pilgrimage to strengthen ties with the Holy See. Pope Leo XIV, who spent eight years as Bishop of Chiclayo and over a decade as a missionary in Peru, called the country his second homeland. He thanked the artists and organisers, emphasising how the works inspire holiness in daily life.

Peru's ambassador extended an invitation for the Pope to visit the nation again. The gesture underscored the close relationship between Peru and the Vatican, renewed through this cultural and spiritual gift.

The donated artworks now form a permanent part of the Vatican Gardens. They serve as a visible link between Peru and the Holy See, reflecting shared history and devotion. The ceremony also highlighted the role of young Peruvian artists in preserving and expressing their country's faith.