Pope Leo XIV wrapped up his apostolic visit to Uruguay on Sunday, marking the feast of the Virgin of the Thirty-three in the city of Florida, north of Montevideo. The pontiff became the first pope in nearly four decades to visit the country, which has become increasingly secular over time. During his Mass, attended by approximately 50,000 people, Leo emphasized the historical connection between the Catholic Church and the nation’s identity, particularly referencing a Guaraní statue present at Uruguay’s independence declaration. He delivered remarks acknowledging mothers and grandmothers who have maintained Catholic traditions, recognizing both their successes and the pain when younger generations have drifted from faith practices.
Following his Uruguay engagement, Leo is proceeding to Argentina for the second phase of his twelve-day South American journey. This leg of the trip is anticipated to present greater political complexity, as the Catholic Church has publicly opposed President Javier Milei’s austerity program. Since taking office, Milei has implemented substantial budget reductions, including a 48% cut to healthcare spending in real terms and planned reductions to the public university system. Official data indicates poverty levels have reached 32.3% of Argentina’s population, affecting approximately 15 million people.
The papal visit carries particular significance given the contrasting priorities of Leo and Milei. Leo, who adopted his papal name from a 19th-century pope known for foundational work on Catholic social teaching, has prioritized advocacy for the poor and vulnerable throughout his papacy. This aligns with the legacy of his Argentine predecessor, Pope Francis, who never returned to Argentina during his tenure. Milei’s government has defended the austerity measures as necessary economic reforms and has characterized the papal visit as purely religious rather than political. Additionally, Leo has expressed concerns about artificial intelligence development, a sector Milei’s government actively promotes through regulatory incentives and infrastructure investment.
The visit represents an opportunity for Leo to address unfinished matters from Pope Francis’s pontificate and engage with Argentina during a period of significant economic and social upheaval. Church and government officials have indicated the traditional protocol will be observed at Leo’s airport greeting and welcome ceremony.
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