Pope Leo XIV Calls for Unity During Apostolic Visit to Uruguay

Pope Leo XIV gathered more than 40,000 worshippers for an open-air Mass in the western Uruguayan city of Paysandú on Saturday, marking a major stop during his sixth apostolic journey. The Pontiff delivered a homily focused on reconciliation and community before traveling to Montevideo for a series of pastoral and institutional meetings.

Arriving at Parque París Londres via popemobile after landing at Brigadier General Aviator Tydeo Larre Borges International Airport, the Pope conducted the liturgical service alongside an image of Blessed Jacinto Vera. During the sermon, he invoked three native Uruguayan elements to illustrate concepts of dialogue, ecclesial life, and human connection. He pointed to the General Artigas bridge as a symbol for establishing dialogue across divides, local palm groves as an image of communal strength within the Church, and the traditional beverage mate as an emblem of brotherhood. Describing the traditional drink, the Pope stated that it represents an element deeply significant to your culture, around which friends or relatives gather to share. During the service, he emphasized that peace is possible and we are called to build it.

Following formal expressions of gratitude from the Bishop of Salto, Arturo Eduardo Fajardo Bustamante, Pope Leo XIV presented a commemorative chalice to the local diocese. The Pontiff then proceeded to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary in Paysandú, where he unveiled a commemorative plaque and greeted crowd members gathered outside the building before departing for the capital.

The second phase of the day's itinerary took place in Montevideo. The schedule included an encounter with the social community of Casavalle at the Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe, as well as a gathering with representatives of the education and academic sectors at the Catholic University of Uruguay. The day's events in Montevideo were arranged to conclude at Centenario Stadium, where the Pope was scheduled to travel by popemobile to preside over a solemn prayer vigil with young believers and pilgrims gathered from across the nation.

On Sunday, the papal itinerary continues in Florida, a city situated roughly 90 kilometres from Montevideo. Florida holds historical significance as the site of Uruguay's 1825 Declaration of Independence and serves as a major religious centre home to the National Shrine of the Virgen de los Treinta y Tres, where the Pope will celebrate outdoor Sunday Mass in the central square.

Written by Thomas Nussbaumer thomas.nussbaumer@alpineweekly.com