Pope Leo XIV Holds First Mass in Uruguay After Decades
Thousands gather in Paysandú as the Pope begins his Latin American pastoral tour.
1Historic Papal Visit
Pope Leo XIV gathered thousands of faithful in Paysandú, Uruguay, on Saturday, November 7, 2026. This event marks the first papal mass held in the country in nearly forty years. The pontiff arrived in Montevideo on Friday, where he was formally received by President Yamandú Orsi at the Plaza de la Independencia.
2Regional Tour Itinerary
The Pope's current Latin American tour includes stops in Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. Following his time in Paysandú, he returns to Montevideo to visit the Casavalle neighborhood and the Catholic University. Later, he will lead a prayer vigil for 60,000 people at the historic Centenario stadium to conclude his Uruguayan visit.
3Religious Landscape Challenges
Uruguay presents a unique challenge for the Church, as it holds the highest percentage of atheists, agnostics, or non-religious individuals in Latin America at 48.7 percent. Despite this secular environment, local commerce in Paysandú has embraced the visit, decorating the city with Vatican colors and selling various souvenirs featuring the Pope's image.
4Health and Resilience
The tour proceeds despite the Pope undergoing surgery to remove a malignant lung nodule less than a month ago. He maintained his original schedule, which includes demanding travel via helicopter and a visit to Cusco, Peru. This high-altitude location, situated over 3,400 meters above sea level, requires significant physical and respiratory endurance.
5Strategic Importance of Region
The Americas remain vital to the Catholic Church, concentrating 47.7 percent of the global Catholic population according to the 2026 Pontifical Yearbook. This data reflects the region's enduring importance despite the ongoing demographic shifts and the growth of evangelical groups, which have significantly altered the religious composition of countries like Brazil.
6Shifting Religious Demographics
The Catholic Church faces a notable decline in influence across Latin America. In Brazil, the Catholic population dropped from 61 percent in 2013-2014 to 46 percent in 2024. This trend highlights the strategic necessity for the Pope's visit as the institution seeks to engage with its largest base of followers.
7Upcoming Diplomatic Engagements
The tour continues with specific missions in neighboring nations. In Argentina, under President Javier Milei, the Pope is scheduled to visit a prison. In Peru, under Keiko Fujimori, he will conduct the first papal mass ever held in the country's Amazon region, further emphasizing the Church's focus on diverse and challenging social environments.
8Context of Papal Travel
This visit follows the precedent set by John Paul II, who was the last pontiff to visit Uruguay in 1988. By maintaining a rigorous schedule despite recent health concerns, Pope Leo XIV demonstrates a commitment to personal engagement with the faithful, aiming to revitalize the Church's presence in a rapidly changing social landscape.
Original article: Folha de S.Paulo — Pope Leo XIV Holds First Mass in Uruguay After Decades