Pope Leo XIII (Leo XIV) began his journey to South America on Friday, an emotional trip that comes three weeks after undergoing lung cancer surgery. This 12-day journey includes visits to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, during which the Pope will meet with political leaders, prisoners, vulnerable groups, and old friends.
Journey Begins in Uruguay
Pope Leo XIII bid farewell with a smile before flying from Fiumicino Airport in Rome. He has spent nearly two decades as a missionary in Peru and expressed hope on Wednesday to return to the countries that are very dear to him. In this trip, Pope Leo aims to strengthen faith, renew hope, and ignite the flame of love in communities facing increasing inequality and violence, declining birth rates, and a decline in Catholicism.
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The Pope's journey begins with his arrival in Uruguay, a country known as one of the wealthiest and most secular in Latin America. To ensure the security of this trip, 5,000 police and 1,000 soldiers have been deployed in the country. Pope Leo will meet with leftist President Yamandu Orsi. Uruguay's liberal laws on same-sex marriage, abortion, and AIDS, which were legalized last year, contradict the Church's positions, and the Pope is expected to emphasize the protection of life and traditional family values. Additionally, given that Uruguay has the highest suicide rate in Latin America, the Pope may address mental health issues during his meetings with residents of the poor and violent neighborhoods of Casavalle.
Continuing the Journey to Argentina and Peru
On Sunday, Pope Leo will travel to Argentina, the homeland of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who has disappointed many Argentinians with his lack of return during his papacy. Historians and religious experts believe that Pope Leo, as the first Latin American Pope, now carries this heavy burden and legacy.
This journey will conclude in Peru, where Pope Leo will arrive on Wednesday. Vendors in Lima are selling t-shirts and rosaries featuring his image, and a 14-meter statue of him has been erected in the port of Callao. Pope Leo will also visit the city of Cusco and the Amazon, and in remembrance of his former life as Robert Francis Prevost, he will meet with priests from his old diocese in Chiclayo.
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