Leo XIV begins his tour in Uruguay, praising Mercosur and peace and questioning abortion and euthanasia
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Montevideo on Friday, the first stop on his South American tour, and in a speech to Uruguayan authorities praised Mercosur, peaceful coexistence and care for the environment, but also defended life “even that which is still growing in the mother’s womb” and questioned euthanasia, in a country where both are legal and which is considered the most secular in the region.
On Friday, Pope Leo XIV arrived in Montevideo, Uruguay, marking the beginning of his South American tour. In a speech to Uruguayan authorities, the pontiff lauded Mercosur, peaceful coexistence, and environmental care, while also defending the sanctity of life from conception. Uruguay, known for its secular nature, permits both abortion and euthanasia, which are legal in the country.
The Pope's arrival was met by President Yamandú Orsi and Cardinal Archbishop Daniel Sturla, who escorted him along the waterfront promenade to Plaza Independencia. There, he received the city's key and visited historical landmarks such as the Cabildo and Cathedral. Former Uruguayan presidents Julio María Sanguinetti, Luis Alberto Lacalle Herrera, and Luis Lacalle Pou, along with Josée Mujica's widow, joined the festivities.
The Pope emphasized the importance of peace, dialogue, and the common good, echoing the ideas of his predecessor, Francis. He highlighted the transformation of Uruguay's energy mix and the significance of coexistence between people of diverse origins and traditions. Regarding sensitive matters, Leo XIV affirmed that life should be protected from the moment of conception and emphasized that no one should feel like a stranger or believe their absence to be more significant than their presence.
He also noted that Uruguay separated Church and State in its 1919 Constitution, with only 36% of the population identifying as Catholic. On Saturday, the Pope will celebrate Mass in Paysandú, visit Casavalle neighborhood and the Catholic University of Uruguay, and lead a vigil at the Centenario Stadium. Sunday will see a Mass in Florida, a visit to the country's patron saint shrine, and a journey to Buenos Aires. Pope Leo XIV is set to return to Rome on November 16, following his stops in Peru and Argentina.
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