An estimated 40,000 faithful gathered in Paysandú, Uruguay, on Saturday to witness Pope Leo XIV’s first Mass in South America, a historic moment for the region’s most secular country. The event, part of the pontiff’s 12-day tour, had been in doubt following his lung cancer surgery last month, but the 71-year-old American pope pressed forward, drawing emotional reactions from attendees.
The crowd erupted in cheers as Pope Leo arrived in his open-sided popemobile at Parque ParĂs Londres, waving yellow handkerchiefs—a nod to the Vatican’s colors—and chanting his name. Despite morning rain and gray skies, thousands, including pilgrims from Argentina and Brazil, filled the sprawling green space, many moved by the pope’s determination to proceed with the tour despite his health struggles.
A Message of Faith in a Secular Nation
Uruguay, with a population of just 3.5 million, is known as one of South America’s least religious countries. The Catholic Church has struggled to attract new seminarians, with none entering training in 2024. Pope Leo directly addressed this challenge during a vespers service in Montevideo’s cathedral, urging clergy to model themselves after Christ to reignite interest in the faith.
“One of the secrets of evangelization is to resemble the one whom we proclaim,” he told seminarians and bishops. “In this land, where many barely know Jesus Christ, that witness has a special power.”
Beyond the Faithful: A Broader Appeal
While the Mass was a deeply religious event, some attendees, like 18-year-old Santiago Biglieri, admitted they weren’t traditionally devout but were drawn to the pope’s message of compassion. “Even for nonbelievers, there’s something to take from his ideas,” Biglieri said.
Pope Leo’s visit also included stops in Montevideo neighborhoods affected by drug violence, where the Church is collaborating on housing and addiction recovery programs. His tour will continue in Argentina and Peru, his second homeland, where larger, more traditionally religious crowds are expected.
A Quiet Welcome in a Secular City
Despite the massive turnout, Paysandú itself remained subdued, with few Vatican flags or decorations marking the papal visit. Yet for young Catholics like Teresa Sabellini, the sight of thousands gathering for the Mass challenged Uruguay’s reputation for religious indifference. “This place is full of people,” she said, “and that says something.”
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2026/11/07/pope-leo-greeted-by-40000-faithful-during-first-south-america-mass-in-uruguay/