Leo XIV leaves Uruguay urging Catholics to reach out to “those who have drifted away”

Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Uruguay concluded on Sunday with a Mass attended by approximately 30,000 people in the city of Florida. The pontiff urged Catholics to engage with those who had drifted away from the Church in South America’s most secular country. In his most forceful moment during the homily, he urged Uruguayans to reach out to the community and bring them back to Christ. He emphasized the importance of setting out to reconnect with people, listening to their questions, and guiding them toward faith.

This was the first papal visit to Uruguay in 38 years, since John Paul II’s visit in 1988. During the brief stay, Pope Leo XIV advocated for humanism and cautioned against the potential dangers of technology. He also addressed Uruguay’s abortion and euthanasia laws during a speech to local authorities in Montevideo.

On Saturday, the Pope celebrated Mass before 30,000 faithful in Paysandú, where he highlighted mate as a symbol of unity and a bridge between the city and Argentina, calling for dialogue. He also visited the Catholic University and led a vigil at the Centenario Stadium attended by 60,000 people.

The visit had an impact on several political leaders. Fernando Pereira, president of the ruling Broad Front, stressed the importance of caring for both the body and the soul. Juan Martín Fernández, president of the Christian Democratic Party, lauded the Pope for standing up to leaders like Donald Trump, questioning Israel over Gaza, and endorsing the option for the poor.

Florida’s mayor, Carlos Enciso, noted that Uruguay is rarely visited by the Pope, making this pilgrimage particularly significant. In Buenos Aires, the Pope is scheduled to pay tribute to General José de San Martín, meet President Javier Milei, and address authorities at the Palacio Libertad, marking the first papal visit to Argentina since 1987.