(Photo courtesy of Anadolu)
ISTANBUL – Pope Leo XIV arrived in Uruguay on Friday, November 6, beginning his first Latin American tour as pontiff, with scheduled visits to Argentina and Peru, according to the Vatican.
The papal aircraft landed at Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo at 4:30 p.m. local time after departing Rome earlier in the day.
Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi and senior government officials welcomed the pontiff during an official ceremony at Plaza Independencia.
Leo was scheduled to meet government representatives, civil society leaders, and members of the diplomatic corps before holding talks with Orsi at the Jose Artigas Building.
The pope was also expected to lead Vespers, a traditional evening prayer service, with Catholic clergy at Montevideo’s Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Saints Philip and James.
The three-day visit, which runs through Sunday, marks Leo’s sixth international journey since his election as head of the Roman Catholic Church in May 2025.
It also comes weeks after the pontiff reportedly underwent successful lung surgery in October.
Leo’s election drew messages of support from Latin American leaders, many of whom highlighted the US-born pope’s longstanding connections to the region.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed hope that Leo would continue the work of his predecessor, Pope Francis, particularly in promoting peace, social justice, environmental protection, and interfaith dialogue.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also welcomed his election, emphasizing shared commitments to peace and global prosperity.
The visit carries historical significance for Uruguay, which last hosted a reigning pope in 1988 during the pontificate of John Paul II.
Uruguay is considered one of Latin America’s most secular countries, with a longstanding constitutional separation between church and state.
During his stay, Leo is scheduled to celebrate Mass in Paysandu, visit the Casavalle neighborhood in Montevideo, and lead a prayer vigil at Centenario Stadium.
He will conclude his Uruguay visit with a Mass in the city of Florida on Sunday before departing for Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The pontiff will subsequently travel to Peru, where his itinerary includes Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco, and Pucallpa.
He is expected to return to Rome on November 17, concluding his Latin American tour.
