Pope Leo begins South American visit in Uruguay less than a month after lung surgery
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Uruguay to launch a three-nation South American tour less than a month after lung surgery, marking the first papal visit to the country since 1988 and the longest leg of his pontificate as he recovers. The trip underscores Uruguay’s unusually secular stance in a region historically Catholic, while the pope plans a tight schedule including a neighborhood with gang violence, Masses in Paysandú and Florida, and a meeting with President Yamandú Orsi. The journey aims to reaffirm Catholic heritage amid contemporary social changes and will be followed by stops in Argentina and Peru, where Leo has ties as a missionary and citizen. Observers note that revitalizing Catholic participation remains uncertain, even as enthusiasm for the visit grows. The trip illustrates a careful balance between outreach and health constraints as Leo seeks to project continuity of leadership on the world stage.
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Leo XIV landed in Montevideo after a 13½-hour flight from Rome, beginning a three-day Uruguay program before moving on to Argentina and Peru, where he has historical ties and citizenship.
Uruguay, known for its secular governance and progressive policies, last hosted a pope in 1988, and the visit is framed against a backdrop of celebrated church-state separation and recent social liberalization.
The itinerary includes a visit to a violence-plagued neighborhood, a Mass in Paysandú about 230 miles from the capital, and another Mass in Florida, roughly 60 miles away, illustrating a broad pastoral reach.
Vatican spokespersons highlighted the pope’s ongoing recovery, noting he has surpassed the 14-day convalescence period and will receive medical care as needed, with public enthusiasm evident at events like the Centenario Stadium vigil.
Local observers and historians discuss Uruguay’s distinctive secular roots, the impact of liberal reforms on Catholic influence, and the potential for the pope to rekindle interest in Catholic traditions tied to the nation’s independence history.
Analysts suggest that even with strong welcome and symbolic acts, translating renewed interest into regular Mass attendance remains uncertain, given the country’s historical trajectory and secular culture.