'Historic visit', South American media celebrate the arrival of Leo XIV in the region

"A historic visit". This is the concept that is mostly repeated today on the front pages of the newspapers of Uruguay and the Latin American region the morning after the arrival of Pope Leo XIV on South American soil.

The local newspaper El País dedicates its entire front page to the pontiff and underlines that "a multitude of people welcomed the Pope in the streets upon his arrival" and that in his first speech in the country of Leo "he claimed the family, the common good and work".

Uruguay is known for being one of the most 'secular' countries in the South American region, with advanced legislation regarding civil rights but, as El Observador points out, in front of His Holiness "The (progressive) President Yamandú Orsi recognized the social value of the Church". "We know well that in this common project that is Uruguay, the Church has represented a fundamental pillar", stated the president.

Precisely this last aspect is the subject of an editorial in the newspaper La Diaria entitled "The secular interest of the papal visit". "In this era of transition that leaves us disoriented, the meaning of Leo

Even in Argentina the main newspapers reflect the enormous enthusiasm for the arrival of Leo XIV in the country. "The Pope is already making history in the region", is the five-column headline today in the newspaper La Nacion, whose subtitle speaks of 'great anticipation for the Pope's arrival in the country tomorrow'. Clarin reports the arrival of thousands of Argentines to see the Pope in the Uruguayan town of Paysandú, near the binational border along the Uruguay River. 'In the rain the Argentinians cross the border: thousands of faithful are expected at Leo XIV's mass in Paysandú. An article from the Infobae portal instead highlights the political climate in which the Pontiff's visit to Argentina will take place, underlining that "(President) Milei is preparing to welcome the Pope" amid "expectations and concerns".

"The agenda develops against the backdrop of internal political tensions and fundamental disagreements on issues such as technology, poverty and the role of the state."

The anticipation for the Pope's imminent arrival is also reflected today in the main newspapers in Peru, the third and final stage of the Pontiff's pastoral trip to the region. "The Pope blesses Peru upon his arrival in South America", reports the newspaper El Comercio, while La Repubica speaks of "great joy" for the visit of Leo XIV to Uruguay.