More than 30,000 people from Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil filled the Parque París Londres in Paysandú, Uruguay, to attend Pope Leo XIV’s first Mass on the South American leg of his tour. The crowd, many in yellow Vatican scarves and rain ponchos, arrived as early as 5:30 a.m. to hear the pontiff’s message of peace and faith.
Local response to the papal visit
“He’s the representative of Christ but he’s human. We weren’t sure if he could make it, but he pushed through for us,” said 73‑year‑old Soledad Sánchez, who drove from northern Uruguay. Her eyes filled with tears as she described the Pope’s perseverance after recent lung cancer surgery.
Young attendees also voiced support. “I wouldn’t call myself religious, but I like this pope. He has a really good message for humanity,” said 18‑year‑old Santiago Biglieri, a Colombian resident of Uruguay.
Pope’s mission in Uruguay
Leo, aware that Uruguay is the most secular nation in South America, used the Mass to call citizens to turn to the Catholic faith for strength amid today’s challenges. He highlighted the legacy of Blessed Jacinto Vera, Uruguay’s first bishop, praising his work with the poor.
In a preceding evening vespers service, the Pope noted the country’s lack of new seminarians in 2024, though a few have recently entered training. He urged seminarians, priests and bishops to model Christ’s life as a means of evangelization.
Continuing the tour
After the Mass, Leo plans to visit a Montevideo neighborhood struggling with drug trafficking and gang violence, where the Church collaborates with municipal authorities on housing and rehabilitation programs. His final event will be a prayer vigil at Montevideo’s Centenary Stadium.
The papal tour will continue to Argentina, with stops in Buenos Aires, Luján and Córdoba, before heading to Peru, the Pope’s second homeland.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
