Pope Leo XIV led a prayer vigil at Centenario Stadium in Montevideo on Nov. 7, drawing more than 70,000 people, according to the report. (Foto: Instagram)
Pope Leo XIV led a prayer vigil Saturday night, Nov. 7, at Centenario Stadium in Montevideo, drawing more than 70,000 people, according to the report. The gathering at the Uruguayan capital’s main sports venue took place on the second day of his apostolic journey through South America.
The Vatican says 33% of adults in Uruguay identify as Catholic, while 9% describe themselves as practicing Catholics. Reflecting on secularization and religious indifference, Leo XIV said that in many places, faith is no longer being passed from one generation to the next as it once was. “When people try to build a world without God, they risk leaving humanity without a place in it,” he said.
The trip comes weeks after the pope underwent surgery on his right lung. The procedure took place Oct. 13 at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. His recovery proceeded as expected, and the Holy See confirmed late last month that there were no medical reasons to prevent him from traveling. After arriving in Montevideo on Friday, Nov. 6, Leo XIV said he felt well enough to carry out his schedule.
On Friday, the pope also addressed doubts about whether the trip would go ahead. “I know many people wondered whether this journey would take place. But I can tell you that from the first day, I had no doubts: I was convinced it should happen, and I am truly glad,” he said. He thanked God and the medical professionals accompanying him, adding, “I can say that I feel very well; you can see that for yourselves.”
Uruguay is the first stop on Leo XIV’s sixth international apostolic journey. He is scheduled to remain there through Sunday, Nov. 8, before traveling to Argentina and then Peru. His itinerary in Uruguay includes religious services and meetings with local communities, government representatives, civil society members and diplomats. After arriving Friday, he attended a welcome ceremony at Plaza Independencia in Montevideo. The schedule also includes a visit with Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi.
The 12-day South American trip is set to cover three countries and 14 locations, with more than 50 engagements, including Masses and meetings with officials, young people, religious groups and representatives of Amazonian communities. The visit brings the pope back to a continent where he lived for more than two decades. He spent particular time in Peru, where he served as a missionary and bishop. The trip is scheduled to end Nov. 17, when he returns to Rome.
