'Peace is possible and we are called to build it' Pope Leo XIV says in Uruguay

During his sixth apostolic journey, Pope Leo XIV stopped in Paysandú, in Uruguay, where he celebrated Mass in the Parque París Londres in front of more than 40,000 faithful.

Arriving at the exhibition area in the popemobile from the "Brigadier General Aviator Tydeo Larre Borges" International Airport, the Pontiff made his way through the cheering crowd, blessing those present. When he reached the altar, next to an image of Blessed Jacinto Vera, he centred his entire homily on the key concepts of unity and community.

"Peace is possible and we are called to build it," the pontiff said during the liturgical celebration. He then offered the multitude three symbols characteristic of Uruguayan soil to show how to safeguard and spread the Christian faith today.

The first element he evoked was the "General Artigas" bridge, a metaphor for the importance of building strong bonds and engaging in dialogue with others. The second was represented by the local palm trees, which grow together in groves and recall the communal nature of the Church. Finally, there was mate, the famous traditional drink shared at moments of encounter, highlighted as a deep emblem of familiarity and brotherhood. "An element deeply significant to your culture, around which friends or relatives gather to share," Leo XIV said.

At the end of the service, after official thanks from the bishop of Salto, Arturo Eduardo Fajardo Bustamante, the Pope presented a chalice to the local diocese.

Leo XIV's programme in Uruguay

The packed schedule for the day continued with an intense itinerary of institutional and pastoral engagements. After the liturgy in the park, a visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary followed for the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and a greeting to the faithful outside the building. The Pontiff then left Paysandú for the capital, Montevideo, where the second part of his busy official agenda continued.

In the late afternoon in the capital, the Pope will meet the social community of Casavalle at the Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This will be followed by an engagement with the academic and education sector at the Catholic University of Uruguay. Both moments will be a central opportunity for direct dialogue with the educational and care institutions of the South American country.

The day will conclude at Montevideo's Centenario Stadium, which the Pope will reach by travelling in the popemobile to allow once again for an encounter with the public. In the sports venue, Leo XIV will preside over a solemn prayer vigil together with thousands of young people and faithful who have travelled from all over the country for the closing event.

On Sunday, the pope is expected in Florida, about 90 kilometres from the capital Montevideo, considered the "cradle" of the nation because it is where the Declaration of Independence took place in 1825. It is also an important religious centre due to the presence of the National Shrine of the Virgen de los Treinta y Tres. In the square in front of it the Pope will celebrate Sunday Mass.