Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass in Uruguay's Paysandú as part of his first Latin America tour

Mass in Paysandú and visit program

Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass on Saturday in the Uruguayan city of Paysandú, continuing his first tour of Latin America as pontiff, Anadolu reports. During the service he spoke about the history of the faith in the Río de la Plata region and emphasized the values of solidarity, community and cooperation.

Symbolism and the route ahead

Referring to local symbols — the General Artigas international bridge, the palm groves and the traditional South American drink mate — the pope spoke about the importance of connections and strengthening bonds within society. The Mass took place on the second day of a three-day visit to Uruguay, which is the first stop of a 12-day itinerary that also includes Argentina and Peru.

What lies ahead

After the ceremony in Paysandú, the pontiff will continue his program in Montevideo: meetings with vulnerable communities and educators in the Casavalle neighborhood are planned, as well as a prayer vigil at the Centenario stadium. On Sunday Leo will celebrate Mass in the city of Florida, after which he will travel on to Argentina.

First visit in almost four decades

This visit is the first papal trip to Uruguay since John Paul II's journey to the country in 1988. The outlet notes that the country, with its largely secular society and long-standing separation of church and state, is welcoming a pontiff who has long-standing ties to the region.