Pray for Peru
A city of the Inca Empire, high in the Andes of southern Peru.
Photo: Draceane, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
About Peru
The capital is Lima. People speak Spanish, Quechua, Aymara and other indigenous languages. The largest faith is Christianity.
Source: Wikipedia, with the cited sources it lists.
Prayer briefing for Peru
Last updated October 2026. Facts come from the sources listed below.
Current events
Crime and extortion are the main national concern. Official figures show homicides rose from about 1,000 in 2018 to about 2,600 in 2025, and extortion complaints from about 3,200 to 26,500. In early September the government declared a 60 day state of emergency in five prisons, letting the military help control them, because gangs are said to direct kidnapping and extortion from inside.
We pray for: Immediate relief, safety and urgent help.
Leadership and politics
Peru is a presidential republic, and the President is head of state and head of government. Keiko Fujimori, a conservative and leader of the largest party, was sworn in on 28 July 2026 after winning the June runoff by fewer than 50,000 votes, and will govern until 2031. She is the ninth president in a decade. Her party and an ally hold half the seats in the new Senate.
We pray for: Wisdom, integrity and justice for those in authority.
Economic health
The economy grew about 2.6% in the second quarter of 2026 and about 3% in the first half, helped by strong private investment and good prices for exports. Public spending has been careful, but the gap in living standards between the coast and the Andean highlands is growing. Extortion is a heavy burden on transport workers and small traders.
We pray for: Provision for families and honest stewardship.
Social and cultural issues
Families of about 50 civilians killed in protests in late 2022 and early 2023 still ask for an investigation, and some do not recognise the new president. More than 50 bus and transport drivers have been killed by hitmen after their companies refused to pay extortion, reports say. The divide between Lima and the Andean regions remains a source of tension.
We pray for: Reconciliation, peace and protection of the vulnerable.
Spiritual landscape
At the 2017 census about 76% of Peruvians were Catholic, about 14% Protestant (mainly evangelical), about 5% had no religion and about 5% followed other faiths. Christians are found throughout the country, from the coast to the Andes and the Amazon.
We pray for: Spiritual awakening, hope and the spread of truth.
Religious freedom
The constitution forbids religious discrimination and separates church and state, while recognising the historic role of the Catholic Church. An agreement with the Holy See gives the Catholic Church some privileges in education, tax and chaplaincy. The US State Department notes that evangelical groups report longer visa waits and say they are not treated equally with the Catholic Church.
We pray for: Protection for believers and freedom to worship safely.
Historical wounds
The internal armed conflict of 1980 to 2000 left deep wounds across the country, and the current crime wave is described as the worst security crisis since then. Peru has had nine presidents in a decade, and the deaths in the protests of 2022 and 2023 remain a painful memory.
We pray for: National healing, breaking old cycles and deep forgiveness.
Let us pray together
Our Father, we come to You together for Peru. Protect families, drivers and traders from crime and extortion, and comfort all who grieve. Give President Fujimori, the Congress and all in authority wisdom, integrity and justice, and steady leadership for the nation. Provide for every family, from the coast to the highlands. Bring reconciliation where there is division, and comfort those who still wait for justice for their loved ones. Keep believers of every church free and safe to worship, and let Your truth and hope spread in every region. Heal the wounds of the years of conflict, and lead Peru in forgiveness and peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Sources
- AP via Sun Chronicle: Keiko Fujimori inaugurated (July 2026)
- AP via NY1: Fujimori inaugurated after narrow victory (July 2026)
- Primicias: state of emergency in five prisons (Sept 2026)
- El Mercurio: Lima emergency and extortion of drivers (Nov 2025)
- Acessa: INEI, GDP grows 2.6% in Q2 (Aug 2026)
- US State Department: 2023 Report on International Religious Freedom, Peru
More ways to pray
PrayerCast shares short prayer videos for the nations. Watch its video for Peru and pray along.
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