Pope Leo XIV began his 12-day journey to South America on Friday, emphasizing the importance of global health services. This trip, which follows surgery for lung cancer, reflects his determination to promote a message of hope to the people of this continent.
Travel Itinerary and Meetings
This trip marks Pope Leo's sixth international journey, and he will visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. Considered one of the most tense papal trips in recent decades, it will include meetings with political leaders, prisoners, the underprivileged, and old friends.
In the capital of Uruguay, Montevideo, thousands welcomed the Pope, holding yellow and white Vatican flags. However, the crowd was smaller compared to his recent trips to France and Spain. Leftist President of Uruguay, Yamando Orsi, welcomed the Pope, and he spoke in a relatively empty Independence Square.
Papal Message and Social Challenges
Pope Leo emphasized the need for everyone to have access to health services in his speech, stating that the medical care he received after his diagnosis reminded him of the men and women who lack the necessary facilities for timely diagnosis or treatment.
Pope Leo, known as an environmental activist, praised Uruguay's progress in greening its economy and also referred to the high suicide rate in the country as a serious issue. He simultaneously stressed the need to protect embryos and addressed specific issues that Uruguay faces.
This trip marks the first visit of a Pope to Uruguay in nearly four decades. During this visit, Pope Leo will hold two public prayer ceremonies outdoors and will visit a neighborhood heavily affected by gang violence and drug addiction.
A highlight of this trip will be a visit to Peru, a country where Leo has worked as a missionary for nearly two decades and considers one of his homes. He will travel to Argentina on Sunday, the birthplace of Pope Francis, where many Argentinians were disappointed by his lack of return during his papacy.
Pope Leo, the first Pope born in the United States, has frequently disagreed with U.S. President Donald Trump on issues related to the Middle East conflict. He also spoke during the flight to South America about mail-in voting in the U.S. midterm elections, emphasizing his right to vote as the first Pope to have voted in a political election.
Peru has been significantly affected by the Pope's presence, with vendors in Lima selling t-shirts and rosaries featuring his image, and bakeries offering "Leo Bread." Additionally, a 14-meter statue of the Pope has been erected in the port city of Callao, which he is set to visit.
This trip will include visits to the former capital of the Incas, Cusco, and the Amazon rainforest. Pope Leo will also dine with priests who have been part of his former diocese in Chiclayo and will privately visit a church he has helped to restore.
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