Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Uruguay, the first stop on his apostolic journey to South America. The Pontiff will remain on the continent until November 17, crossing three countries in the space of twelve days. During the flight from Rome to Montevideo he spoke about the American elections, declaring himself proud to have voted. He then reassured patients after his surgery: "Don't be afraid." And regarding the trip he underlined: "Never had any doubts".
Uruguay, the first destination of the trip, is considered one of the most secularized countries in Latin America. Although Vatican statistics indicate a Catholic majority, other findings show that only one in three inhabitants identifies with this faith. Secularism is also reflected in the holidays: Christmas is called Family Day and Easter Week is known as Tourism Week. Yet the wait for Leone remains high, with sold-out appointments.
Today's program includes the welcome ceremony in Plaza Independencia and the meeting with the authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps, the occasion of the first important public speech of the trip. This will be followed by a visit to the Uruguayan president and Vespers with bishops and local clergy in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
Once off the plane, Pope Leo XIV was welcomed on the tarmac of Carrasco international airport by the Uruguayan president Yamandú Orsi and his family.
On X, President Lula reported having received a message from Pope Leo The Pope, he wrote, "invoked God's blessing so that our nation may be filled with unity and peace." Lula thanked His Holiness "heartily" and hoped for a future "of peace, hope and justice for all". Finally, he renewed the invitation to visit Brazil, ensuring a welcome "with great affection, hospitality and faith".
The South American mission also represents a physical test for Leo XIV, who underwent surgery on 13 October for the removal of an adenocarcinoma in his right lung. Although the intervention dates back to just over three weeks ago, the Pontiff confirmed the entire program.
"As I prepare to make the apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, I entrust the desires for peace and brotherhood of those populations to the intercession of the Virgin Mary and the Saints who announced the Gospel of charity to them", wrote Leone in the telegram of greeting to the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella. The trip, the head of state in turn wrote to the Pontiff, "will be an inspiration not only for the friendly peoples of that continent, but for the entire world".
On the flight that took him from Rome to Montevideo, Pope Leo The Pontiff, a US and Peruvian citizen, also spoke about the importance of voting. When asked about the possibility of casting his vote in Peru, where he has lived for twenty years, he explained that he cannot do so, but would willingly do so.
In front of the eighty journalists present, Leo XIV spoke openly about his health conditions. After the surgery, the Pontiff undertook the long journey to South America without hesitation. "I know that many had doubted about the possibility of this trip", he observed, "but I have never had any doubts that it could proceed". Then he indicated his secret: "Faith in God, good doctors and a healthy lifestyle."
During the flight Pope Leo XIV also found time to joke with journalists, receiving various gifts, including a glass for mate, a Laura Pausini record, American peanuts and some books. When asked to organize a Bruce Springsteen concert in the Vatican, after meeting Bob Dylan, the Pontiff responded ironically: "Some things are above my pay grade", an English expression that indicates something that goes beyond one's skills and responsibilities.
