Pope Leo XIV held a prayer ceremony in Uruguay on Saturday morning, attended by over 40,000 people. This event is part of the Pope's 12-day trip to three South American countries and took place in the city of Paysandú, located in western Uruguay.
Widespread Attendance
According to the Vatican, about 30,000 people from Uruguay and neighboring countries, Argentina and Brazil, had registered to attend the ceremony. Additionally, 10,000 others joined the event despite the rain. Pope Leo, who recently underwent surgery for lung cancer, was warmly welcomed by the crowd.
Message of Peace and Solidarity
A participant named Soledad Sanchez stated that she came from afar to attend the ceremony and respects the Pope. She said, "He is the representative of Christ but he is also human." Sanchez also added with tears in her eyes, "We weren't sure he could come, but he made an effort for us. He came here to deliver the message of peace because he knows our world needs it."
This ceremony was held in memory of "Saint Jacinto Vera," who was appointed as the first bishop of Uruguay in 1878. Pope Leo spoke about him on Friday and recalled his efforts to help the poor and needy.
Pope Leo will also visit a neighborhood in Montevideo that faces issues with drug-related violence during the continuation of his trip. This neighborhood is one of the areas where the church has made investments in public housing and rehabilitation projects.
In the Pope's final event in Uruguay, a night of prayer will be held at the Centenary Stadium in Montevideo, which is expected to attract around 60,000 young people. During this event, the Pope will urge the youth to be attentive to religious indifference and turn to Christ's teachings.
Pope Leo, who is 71 years old and a citizen of the United States, Peru, and the Vatican, has stated that his goal for this trip is to increase interest in the Catholic Church in Uruguay, one of the most secular countries in South America.
