Pope Leo XIV begins his South American trip in Uruguay

Pope Leo

Three countries in eleven days: Pope Leo XIV begins his trip to South America in Uruguay today. The home of his predecessor and a reunion with his own past also await him.

On horseback, with the typical Gaucho cap on their heads and their children in the saddle - they move over the rolling hills and lush green pastures of the Pampas: Like every year at the beginning of November, believers from Uruguay's hinterland go on a pilgrimage in honor of the Blessed Virgin of the Thirty-Three, Uruguay's patron saint.

"It's also about cultivating our culture - by being together, by the campfire, by rediscovering our faith on the journey together," says Padre Leonardo Risso, who organizes the pilgrimage on horseback. "We are a small country in which only a minority are believers and practitioners. The Catholic Church is a minority here."

One reason: Church and state were clearly separated in Uruguay in the early 20th century. Christmas is called “family day” here, Easter is called “travel week”. Gaucho Padre Risso is all the more pleased that he can welcome a special guest at the mass in the Basilica of Florida at the end of the pilgrimage: Pope Leo XIV, who is starting his eleven-day trip to South America in Uruguay. "I think it's good that he's starting his journey here - in a country that needs an impulse," says Risso. "It's like a message of joy that everyone here needs."

A few days after his lung operation, the Pope again addressed the faithful in St. Peter's Square. more

The start in the most secular state in Latin America is likely to be the easiest visit for the head of the church. He then travels to Argentina, the homeland of his predecessor Francis. Despite numerous invitations, he never visited Argentina as Pope - probably also because he wanted to avoid his presence in a polarized country being politically co-opted.

This caused frustration among his compatriots, which made their expectations even greater. Pope Leo is visiting Argentina at a time when the gap between rich and poor is widening. Libertarian President Javier Milei's radical austerity measures have pushed many people to the social margins. The visit of Leo, who, like Francis, stands for a church on the side of the poor, is diplomatically sensitive for Milei, believes church expert and anthropologist Pablo Sernan:

Just a few days ago, Leo XIV had part of his lung removed because of carcinoma. more

In Peru, the last stop on his trip, the Pope encounters a highly polarized society, as President Keiko Fujimori's narrow election victory showed. At the same time, it is a homecoming for him: Robert Francis Prevost, as the Pope's real name is, worked in Peru as a missionary and bishop of Chiclayo for almost 21 years

For the Peruvians he is simply “their” pope. The country is on dopamine, even more so are the people in Chiclayo, his former place of work, says journalist Pau Ugaz. Nevertheless, it is not an easy visit to Peru either:

During his time as bishop, the Pope campaigned for social responsibility in a state that is hardly present for many people: he worked with migrants, provided support during natural disasters and stood behind journalists like Ugaz, who researched church power structures and abuse. Discussions with victims of abuse have also been announced for this trip - and meetings with indigenous people from remote Amazon areas.

From the Pampas to the Andes to the Pacific: No matter how different the stations in South America may be, they are united by the hope that the pontiff can make a contribution as a bridge builder to overcome rifts and social divisions.

Uruguay is the start of Pope Leo XIV's trip to South America Pope Leo in South America: Not just a guest of friends | Nov 7, 2026 | 12:07 a.m