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 commenced his South American journey in Montevideo, Uruguay, during his first leg of the tour. In a speech to local authorities, the pontiff extolled the virtues of Mercosur, peaceful synergy, and environmental stewardship. However, he also emphasized the sanctity of life, including the unborn, and questioned the practices of euthanasia, both of which are legal in Uruguay and regarded as the most secular nation in the region.
The Pope touched down at Carrasco airport at 4.19 p.m., greeted by President Yamandú Orsi and Cardinal Archbishop Daniel Sturla. Accompanied by approximately 3,000 volunteers, Leo XIV drove in the popemobile through the waterfront promenade to Plaza Independencia, where he ceremonially received the city's key and toured landmarks such as the Cabildo and Cathedral.
Orsi hailed Uruguay as a land without borders among nations, declaring the Pope "dear friend" and highlighting how former presidents have united "in peace and joy" within the country. The Pope echoed the themes of Francis, promoting the common good, environmental care, and the transformative shift in Uruguay's energy sector. He stressed the significance of peace and dialogue in resolving disputes and praised Mercosur as a cornerstone of Uruguay's relations with Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
"Unity among individuals of diverse backgrounds and customs" was another facet of Uruguay's history, he remarked. Addressing sensitive matters, Leo XIV defended the right to life from conception, touching upon legal abortion, and questioned euthanasia, which became authorized in 2025. He underscored that everyone requires care until the natural course of life.
He also noted Uruguay's high suicide rate, urging no one to feel isolated or believe their absence holds more weight than their presence. Regarding secularism, which was established in Uruguay's 1919 Constitution, the Pope clarified that it does not necessitate relegating religion to private spheres. While a mere 36% of Uruguayans identify as Catholic, according to the Latinobarómetro survey, one in ten of these individuals consider themselves practicing.
A Usina de Percepción Ciudadana study revealed that 37% of Uruguayans deemed the Pope's visit significant, while 63% viewed it as having little or no importance. The pontiff is slated to deliver Mass in Paysandú, visit the Casavalle neighborhood and Catholic University of Uruguay on Saturday, and lead a vigil at the Centenario Stadium.
On Sunday, he will celebrate Mass in Florida and pay homage at the Virgen de los 33 shrine before embarking on a journey to Buenos Aires. After stopping in Peru, Leo XIV will return to Rome on November 16.
Written by urgent.news from MercoPress's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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