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FFTP Brings Hope to Children in Peru Diocese Once Led by Pope Leo XIV
COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (Nov. 6, 2026) – In a region of Peru that holds special significance for Pope Leo XIV, Food For The Poor (FFTP) is exploring new opportunities to bring hope, belonging and the simple joys of childhood to vulnerable children through its Angels Of Hope program.
Representatives of the South Florida-based charity visited Santa María Josefa Shelter in Ferreñafe, in the Diocese of Chiclayo, on Oct. 26, joining children and local Catholic partners for activities centered on play, faith and community.
The visit, coordinated with Cáritas Peru and Cáritas Chiclayo, introduced FFTP’s Enriching Lives Through Play initiative. The effort grew out of conversations with Sport at the Service of Humanity about the role of sports and recreation in helping vulnerable children thrive, with the goal of expanding to other shelters across Peru.
At the shelter, run by the Servants of Jesus of Charity, the delegation delivered soccer balls and educational kits containing notebooks, pencils, colored pencils, pencil cases, highlighters, erasers, rulers and age-appropriate devotional books. Father Carlos Samamé, representing the Diocese of Chiclayo, joined the gathering and offered a blessing.
The location carries a meaningful connection to the Catholic Church’s first American-born pope. Before his election as Pope Leo XIV in May 2025, then-Bishop Robert Francis Prevost served as Bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 until 2023, following years of missionary and pastoral service in Peru.
“Every child deserves more than a safe place to sleep and food to eat. Children also need opportunities to play, to form friendships, to discover their gifts and to know they are loved,” said Vivian Borja, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer of FFTP, who traveled to Chiclayo. “Through Angels Of Hope, we have seen how nurturing the whole child can help build confidence, strengthen a sense of belonging and open doors to a more hopeful future.”
A message of hope from the children of Chiclayo
As part of the visit, children shared messages of encouragement and affection for Pope Leo XIV on soccer balls and handmade signs. Their greetings included “Get well soon,” “The children of Chiclayo love you” and “We love you very much, Pope Leo.”
The messages will be sent to Rome, expressing the affection children in the region feel for their former bishop ahead of his scheduled return to Chiclayo this month during his trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
Building on the mission of Angels Of Hope
FFTP’s Angels Of Hope program supports vulnerable children who have faced extreme poverty, abandonment, abuse, or the threat of human trafficking, helping provide resources, care and opportunities that contribute to their well-being and development.
The Enriching Lives Through Play initiative builds on that mission by creating opportunities for recreation, friendship, personal growth and spiritual enrichment. Through play and shared activities, children can develop confidence and experience a stronger sense of belonging.
During the visit, FFTP representatives also explored the shelter’s needs and opportunities for future collaboration through Angels Of Hope.
Strengthening partnerships through faith and service
Through its Church Alliances efforts, FFTP works with Catholic organizations, dioceses and religious communities to help vulnerable families and children throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. “Our faith calls us to recognize the dignity of every child,” Borja said. “Here in Chiclayo, where Pope Leo XIV served for many years, we’re reminded of what people of faith can accomplish together. We hope this visit inspires new partnerships that bring opportunity and hope to more children.”
Food For The Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the United States, is committed to facilitating paths out of poverty and transforming lives. As an interdenominational Christian ministry, we help families across Latin America and the Caribbean. Our efforts span urgent humanitarian relief and long-term development – from emergency aid and hunger alleviation to education, housing, and economic empowerment. We follow a distinctive approach that integrates faith, multi-sector strategies, and trusted partnerships. Whenever possible, we strive to work at the community level, partnering with local leaders and residents to co-create sustainable solutions that address the multi-dimensional nature of poverty. For more information, please visit foodforthepoor.org.
Michael Turnbell
Communications
954-471-0928
[email protected]
