Peru: Gen Z Youth Send Message to Pope Leo XIV

With Pope Leo XIV present in Peru, young people from Generation Z sent a letter to the leader of the Catholic Church, outlining various socioeconomic challenges faced by Peruvian families—issues that the youth have championed, with the support of a large segment of the Peruvian population.

Gathering in front of the Palace of Justice—flanked by two rows of police officers—the Gen Z youth met from 4:00 p.m. onwards to demonstrate peacefully. They called for solutions to issues including access to quality education, decent work, public safety, the strengthening of institutions, and environmental protection, among other demands.

Below are excerpts from the letter sent to the “Peruvian Pope”:

“Holy Father, in your recent message for World Youth Day, you urged us not to settle for a life smaller than the one to which Christ calls us. That is what we are striving to do: to get up from our armchairs, organize ourselves, and mobilize to demand justice.

To live without fear. Extortion, contract killings, and kidnappings are on the rise. Between January and July alone, nearly 14,000 reports of extortion were filed, and dozens of drivers have been murdered. We want to study and work without fear. We call for a security policy rooted in intelligence and investigation, rather than one that relies solely on states of emergency. We demand transparency and a genuine fight against corruption—which begins, first and foremost, within the highest levels of government and political parties.

To care for our ‘common home.’ Forest fires have claimed lives this year, with rural and indigenous communities left to fight the flames almost entirely on their own. We reject deforestation and demand the repeal of the ‘anti-forestry’ law. We also call for attention to be directed toward communities where families are reportedly being exposed to heavy metals.” The El Niño phenomenon has already struck Piura and Tumbes, and 893 districts are now in a state of emergency. We call for preventive measures to be implemented in a timely and transparent manner—not after a tragedy has already occurred.

Protect young girls. We cannot remain silent in the face of sexual violence against minors—particularly girls from the Awajún and other Indigenous peoples. No girl should ever have to face the consequences of such violence alone.

Health, education, and opportunities. We demand well-stocked hospitals and quality public education. Today, public universities are facing budget cuts—approximately 300 million in 2026, with another 226 million projected for 2027 across 20 universities.

The “Beca 18” (Scholarship 18) program promised 20,000 scholarships but funded only 5,184. For thousands of young people, the ability to pursue an education depends on a scholarship—and that door is now closing.

Decent work. We call for support for small-scale entrepreneurs and attention to mental health. The burden of this crisis must not fall on families.

A new institutional framework. We believe the country needs to open a serious debate regarding its constitutional compact. We call for a Popular Constituent Assembly and a new University Law, developed in collaboration with students, faculty, and staff.

Holy Father, we are not merely the future of Peru; we are its present, and we have the right to participate in the decisions that affect us. You have said that young people are a sign that a different world is possible. That sign is already present in our streets, our classrooms, our communities, and within the organizations that have signed this letter. We seek to be heard; we hope that during your visit, our voices will reach your ears—as well as the ears of those who have a duty to respond.

With respect and hope, the youth.”

Video: Ana Ramírez and William Soberón – Ecos Latinos.

Redacción Perú