World Pressenza
Peru: Visit of Pope Leo XIV honors martyrs Inti and Bryan
Six years after their killing, Inti and Bryan—young martyrs of social protests—were remembered by Cardinal Carlos Castillo, Archbishop of Lima, during his remarks on Thursday the 12th at the National
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Six years after their killing, Inti and Bryan—young martyrs of social protests—were remembered by Cardinal Carlos Castillo, Archbishop of Lima, during his remarks on Thursday the 12th at the National Stadium. The venue hosted 52,000 young people who had gathered for a vigil with Pope Leo XIV. Eduardo Ruiz, known as “Trvco”—a young rapper who also fell victim to state repression—was likewise remembered.
Cardinal Castillo spoke to Pope Leo XIV (who appeared deeply moved) about the protests in which Inti (24) and Bryan (22) lost their lives. In an emotional address, the Cardinal noted: “They are not the only ones; in the recent history of our country and our city, young people have often taken to the streets to protest, and in some instances, they were fired upon. Among these young people, there are two martyrs: Bryan and Inti.”
On Friday the 13th, the two young martyrs were also commemorated in front of the Palace of Justice by their families and various activist groups. These groups hold weekly demonstrations seeking justice for them and other victims—including “Trvco” (killed by a shot fired by an undercover police officer), the approximately 50 protesters who died during the administrations of recent governments, and those affected by forced sterilizations.
It should be noted that during the political crises and social unrest in Peru between November 2020 and October 2025—spanning the administrations of Manuel Merino, Dina Boluarte, and José Jerí—at least 50 deaths and over 1,500 injuries were reported nationwide. The cases mentioned were shelved by the previous Congress in 2022 and 2025, while the case involving “Trvco” remains unresolved, with no verdict reached.
The mention of the cases of Inti and Bryan by Cardinal Castillo to Pope Leo XIV was met with an ovation from the thousands of young people present. The sense of helplessness stemming from the impunity and lack of justice in the country was, in part, alleviated by this act of vindication from the highest Catholic authorities. The nation is currently experiencing a period of hope and national reconciliation.
Photos: Carlos Degregori – Pressenza Peru. La Noticia Perú.
