Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Mass in Uruguay on November 7 and called on the peoples of South America to overcome divisions between their countries. The Mass took place in Paysandú, in northwestern Uruguay, on the border with Argentina.
The pontiff cited the bridge linking the two countries over the Uruguay River as an example of the benefits of closer ties. He also highlighted mate, a traditional South American drink, as a symbol of friendship and unity.
After the Mass, Leo XIV returned to Montevideo, where he was to hold a vigil at Centenario Stadium, expected to draw 60,000 young people. The 12-day trip includes a stop in Argentina, where he is expected to meet President Javier Milei, and ends in Peru.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said he had received a message from the pope as he was flying over Brazil and invited him to visit the country.
