SW News: As the unrest in Peru is continuing, the Holy Father prayed for peace in the Latin American nation. It was during the end of the Angelus prayer on December 18 with the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square that the 86-year-old pontiff asked them to pray for stability in the South American country.

Peru is witnessing violent demonstrations following the ouster of impeached leader Pedro Castillo. Let us also pray for peace in Peru, that the country's bloodshed would end, and that the path of dialogue would be taken to resolve the crisis, said Pope Francis, offering words of encouragement amid the political and social crisis that has gripped the country.

The Peruvian Council of State, made up of politicians and high-ranking Church officials, met and decided to visit the affected areas, talk to the protesters, and schedule elections for the new year.

Even though Peru has been in a state of emergency for the past month, it seems that roads are once again serviceable. South American officials arranged for helicopters to evacuate "vulnerable" tourists from Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca citadel located 2,400 metres above sea level in the Andes mountains.

Dina Boluarte, the former vice president who replaced Mr. Castillo after his impeachment, has called for elections to be held early, in December next year. The vote to roll back to the earlier date was recently defeated in Congress, but a new vote is scheduled for later on Tuesday.