A parish in Uruguay struggling with violence prepares for Pope Leo XIV’s visit
In the Uruguayan capital, Montevideo, Pope Leo XIV is set to visit Borro, a neighborhood plagued by violent drug trafficking. Borro serves as a refuge for locals, providing education, job creation, and addiction recovery support. The Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, where the Pope will visit, has become a vital sanctuary amidst the gunfire and territorial disputes.
The area has seen a surge in violent crime, with over 46% of Montevideo's homicides occurring in Borro and surrounding neighborhoods. The parish is leading social housing projects, generating local employment, and organizing social events like Mass for homeless people. Despite the grim reality, the church has become a beacon of hope for the marginalized youth, offering an alternative to crime.
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