Former Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Herrera attempts to kiss Pope Leo XIV’s ring during a reception in Montevideo on Friday, November 6, 2026, as the pope pulls his hand away. (Foto: Instagram)
Former Uruguayan president Luis Lacalle Herrera attempted to kiss Pope Leo XIV’s ring during a reception in Montevideo on Friday, November 6, 2026. The pope declined the gesture and tried to pull his hand away as Uruguayan officials greeted him.
Kissing the pope’s ring is a traditional sign of respect and humble deference to Catholic authority. Known as the Fisherman’s Ring, it is one of the principal symbols of papal authority.
Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, also began declining the gesture. On several occasions, he withdrew his hand to prevent people from kissing it. Francis’s actions were interpreted as an effort to present a more humble Church that was closer to the faithful.
Leo XIV arrived in Uruguay on Friday as part of a South American trip that is also scheduled to include Argentina and Peru. Lacalle Herrera, who was president of Uruguay from 1990 to 1995, was among those at the reception. The attendees also included President Yamandú Orsi, Lucía Topolansky—the widow of José “Pepe” Mujica—and former presidents Luis Lacalle Pou and Julio María Sanguinetti.
