Peru

Pope Leo XIV is embarking on the longest and farthest trip of his pontificate three weeks after lung cancer surgery.

Indigenous leaders from the Amazon are taking their fight against illegal mining, drug trafficking, and deforestation to a United Nations conference in Vienna next week. They want stronger international action against criminal networks threatening their forests and communities.

Interpol has announced a major crackdown on environmental crime in Latin America and the Caribbean, leading to 233 arrests. The operation uncovered links between Amazon deforestation and companies across several continents. Over two months, authorities targeted illegal logging, gold mining, and wildlife trafficking in nine countries. They identified 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared forest.

Pope Leo XIV will make his first trip to Latin America as pontiff in November, visiting Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. The Vatican announced the trip on Wednesday. This visit is significant due to Leo's deep ties to Peru, where he spent decades as a missionary and church leader. He served as bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023.

Keiko Fujimori was sworn in as Peru's president Tuesday after a narrow victory in the June election. She will be the ninth president in a decade and aims to stabilize the country. Her Popular Force party and allies will hold half the senate seats. Fujimori's campaign focused on improving security and infrastructure.

Fujimori, the daughter of a disgraced former president, ran for the presidency for the fourth time. She will become Peru’s ninth president in 10 years when she takes office later this month.

Peru's presidential runoff has left the country without a clear winner. Conservative Keiko Fujimori and nationalist Roberto Sánchez are virtually tied with 94% of ballots counted by Monday. Sánchez has 50.015% of the vote, while Fujimori has 49.985%.

Peru is grappling with a surge in extortion and violence, especially in areas like Trujillo. Gladys Saavedra, who works in a market there, says extortionists demand $300 monthly from vendors. Last June, the market was set on fire when the women refused to pay. Crime has become a major concern as Peruvians prepare to elect a new president.

Authorities confirmed on Sunday the official results of the first round of the presidential elections in early April, with Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez advancing to the runoff on June 7.

In a letter sent to Peruvian authorities, Piero Corvetto denied any wrongdoing Tuesday but said that the problems encountered during the April 12 election prompted him to resign in order to "generate more confidence" in a runoff vote that will take place on June 7.

Voters in Peru face another presidential poll after no candidate won outright Sunday's election. Electoral authorities continue counting votes, with two right-wing candidates leading. Keiko Fujimori has 16.92% support, while Rafael López Aliaga has 12.95%. The runoff is set for June 7.

Peruvians still did not know Monday night the outcome of Sunday's presidential election after the failure to deliver ballots to voting centers forced authorities to extend voting by a day.