Pope Leo begins South America ’homecoming’ tour with appeal for regional unity

Pope Leo issued a call on Friday for South American nations to work collaboratively in addressing regional matters as he embarked on a 12-day tour encompassing Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. The trip, expected to attract millions, comes at a time when the region is grappling with significant political divisions. Landing in Montevideo, Uruguay, the pontiff was welcomed by President Yamandu Orsi and a group of supporters who held flowers.

Addressing a crowd of at least 30,000 people, Pope Leo urged regional governments to lead by example in the realms of international cooperation, respect for the law, negotiation, and the pursuit of mutually agreeable solutions. The 71-year-old pope, who recently underwent lung cancer surgery, will engage in various events across the three countries, traveling over 31,000 km (19,300 miles) and delivering 36 speeches.

Born in Chicago, Leo spent considerable time in Peru and views this tour as a homecoming to places dear to him. In his first speech outdoors, he called for a global economy that benefits all, not just the wealthiest, and warned against the potential negative effects of artificial intelligence on workers.