{
  "id": 19012219,
  "title": "Leo XIV leaves Uruguay urging Catholics to reach out to “those who have drifted away”",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/leo-xiv-leaves-uruguay-urging-catholics-to-reach-out-to-those-who",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-08T20:16:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MercoPress",
    "slug": "mercopress",
    "url": "https://en.mercopress.com/2026/11/08/leo-xiv-leaves-uruguay-urging-catholics-to-reach-out-to-those-who-have-drifted-away"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pope Leo XIV concluded his visit to Uruguay on Sunday with a Mass attended by approximately 30,000 worshippers in the city of Florida. During his homily, the pontiff urged Catholics to reach out to those who have drifted away from the Church, emphasizing the importance of engaging with people and addressing their questions. He further encouraged believers not to be afraid to identify themselves as Christians.\n\nLeo XIV's visit to Uruguay marked the first papal visit to the South American country in 38 years, following John Paul II's trip in 1988. The 82-year-old pontiff had previously visited Uruguay on Saturday, where he celebrated Mass before 30,000 faithful in Paysandú. During this service, he praised mate as a symbol of unity and called for dialogue between Uruguay and Argentina.\n\nThe Pope's trip to Uruguay also drew attention to the faith of political leaders. Fernando Pereira, president of the ruling Broad Front, stated that Uruguay must take care of both the body and the soul. Juan Martín Fernández, president of the Christian Democratic Party, said the Pope had challenged leaders such as Donald Trump and questioned Israel over Gaza, endorsing the option for the poor.\n\nIn Buenos Aires, the Pope is scheduled to pay tribute to General José de San Martín, meet Argentine President Javier Milei at the Casa Rosada, and address authorities at the Palacio Libertad. This visit to Argentina will be the first papal visit to the country since 1987.",
  "summary": "Pope Leo XIV ended his visit to Uruguay on Sunday with a Mass before some 30,000 faithful in the city of Florida, where he urged Catholics to reach out to those who have drifted away from the Church in South America’s most secular country, before flying to Buenos Aires, the second stop on his regional tour.",
  "key_points": [
    "Pope Leo XIV concluded Uruguay visit with Mass in Florida",
    "Urged Catholics to reconnect with Church members",
    "First papal visit to Uruguay in 38 years"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}