Pope Leo ends Uruguay visit and travels to Argentina for politically sensitive stop
Tens of thousands attended a Mass in Florida, Uruguay, before the pope moved on to Argentina, where the Church has criticized Javier Milei's austerity program.
Pope Leo XIV wrapped up his visit to Uruguay on Sunday by praising mothers and grandmothers who passed the Catholic faith to younger generations. He celebrated a Mass in Florida, north of Montevideo, for a feast day tied to the country's independence.
The Vatican estimated 50,000 people attended the Mass in a city of about 40,000 residents. Leo became the first pope in nearly four decades to visit Uruguay, a country known for its secular history.
Next, the pope heads to Argentina, the second stop on his 12-day tour of South America. The stop is expected to be the most politically delicate because the Church has sharply criticized the austerity program of libertarian President Javier Milei.
Key points
- Mass in Florida, Uruguay, drew an estimated 50,000 people.
- Leo was the first pope in nearly four decades to visit Uruguay.
- Argentina is the most politically delicate stop on the 12-day tour.
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