Llamas and Latin: The Andean Liturgical Revolution

Pope Leo XIV's upcoming missal revisions incorporate startling elements from his Peruvian missionary years: optional Quechua responses during Mass, coca leaf (decocainized) for anointing rituals, and llama wool chasubles. "The Andes taught me incarnation means local texture," says the pope, recalling how he once celebrated Easter Mass at 16,000 feet with a drumhead altar. As Bishop of Chiclayo, he commissioned indigenous artists to depict biblical scenes using traditional weaving - these now hang in the Vatican Museums. Most controversially, his new "Andean Rite" permits communion with purple corn chicha (fermented drink) in highland parishes. Roman traditionalists call it heresy, but Aymara catechist Elena Quispe counters: "Christ didn't say 'Take this French bread.' Our pope remembers the smell of real sheepfolds."