- 08 November, 2026
Montevideo, November 7, 2026: Pope Leo XIV has urged people across South America to overcome divisions, strengthen solidarity and rediscover their faith during his historic visit to Uruguay, the first papal visit to the country since Pope John Paul II travelled there in 1988.
The 71-year-old pontiff arrived in Montevideo on Friday, 6 November, beginning a 12-day Apostolic Journey to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. The visit marks his sixth international journey since the beginning of his pontificate and comes less than a month after he underwent surgery for lung cancer. Despite his recent health challenges, the Pope said he was feeling "fairly good" and determined to undertake the demanding journey.
During his visit to Paysandú, in north-western Uruguay, Pope Leo celebrated an outdoor Mass attended by an estimated 40,000 people. Many pilgrims had reportedly waited overnight in heavy rain to participate in the historic gathering.
Drawing inspiration from the nearby General Artigas International Bridge, which connects Uruguay and Argentina, the Pope encouraged people to become builders of bridges rather than allowing differences to divide communities.
"It is not difficult to imagine the benefits a bridge brings: openness, communication and exchange. That is why it is so important to be builders of bridges!" he said.
The pontiff also called on governments across the region to work together in addressing common challenges, including political instability, poverty, environmental destruction and arms trafficking.
During his stay in Montevideo, Pope Leo visited Casavalle, a neighbourhood affected by drug-related violence, poverty and social inequality.
The Pope walked through areas marked by makeshift housing and unfinished buildings, meeting residents and listening to their personal struggles. He embraced a mother who became emotional while describing her experience of raising a child after becoming homeless.
Urging people not to remain indifferent to the suffering of others, he called on Uruguayans to confront poverty and inequality through practical acts of solidarity.
"We cannot ignore the many people around us who are suffering," he said.
The visit was welcomed by local community leaders, who hoped the Pope's presence would bring encouragement to residents of an area often regarded as neglected by government institutions.
During a prayer vigil at Montevideo's Centenary Stadium on Saturday evening, Pope Leo addressed thousands of faithful, encouraging them to pursue holiness and place Christ at the centre of their lives.
He warned against becoming comfortable with a superficial or habitual faith, urging Christians to give themselves completely to God.
"Christ did not call us to mediocrity; He called us to a new and full life like His own," the Pope said.
He also encouraged young people to embrace marriage, family life and religious vocations without allowing fear to prevent them from responding to God's calling.
The Pope urged Christians to demonstrate their faith through forgiveness, honesty, generosity and service to others, emphasising that authentic Christian witness could inspire people who had become distant from religion.
Uruguay, known for its strong secular tradition, has one of the lowest levels of religious affiliation among Latin American countries. Approximately one-third of its adult population identifies as Catholic.
Despite this, the Pope's visit attracted significant crowds, with the Vatican estimating that around 100,000 people attended the evening vigil at Centenary Stadium.
Pope Leo will conclude his three-day visit to Uruguay before travelling to Argentina and subsequently Peru, where he previously served as a missionary for several decades and acquired Peruvian citizenship.
His 12-day Apostolic Journey, scheduled to conclude on 17 November, is expected to focus on faith, social justice, regional cooperation and the challenges facing communities across South America.
Courtesy Vatican News
Pic Courtesy : VATICAN MEDIA
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