Christian World | Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Mass in South America in Paysandú, Uruguay, urging Catholics to build bridges and carry on evangelization with enthusiasm

ACW | November 7, 2026 — Pope Leo XIV celebrated the first Mass of his 12-day South American trip in Paysandú, Uruguay, on Saturday, Vatican News reported.

More than 40,000 people attended the Mass in Paysandú's Parque París Londres, EWTN News reported. No pope had visited the city before, the Associated Press said.

In his homily, the pope recalled the people of faith who came to the Río de la Plata region "to proclaim the great joy they themselves had experienced in encountering Christ." He named Blessed Jacinto Vera, Montevideo's first bishop, who he said bore witness through "generous charity."

Pointing to the nearby General Artigas International Bridge, Leo described the Christian vocation as "to build bridges, strengthen bonds, unite, communicate, and share the joy of faith." He called mate, the region's shared tea, a sign of "familiarity, friendship and encounter."

He urged Uruguayans to carry forward evangelization "with enthusiasm," telling them, "Christ is counting on you!" Later, praying at Paysandú's cathedral, he said: "We believe that peace is possible, and we want to build it," according to Vatican News.

Background: The pope began his 12-day visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru earlier this week. ACW covered his arrival: Pope Leo lands in Uruguay to begin 12-day Latin America trip. He travels on to Argentina and Peru, the AP said.

Why it matters: Uruguay, with about 3.5 million people, is South America's most secular country, according to the AP. In Paysandú, the pope said faith has been part of Uruguayan life since its earliest days and must be passed on "with creative courage."

ACW will continue to follow this story.

Sources: Vatican News — Pope at Mass in Uruguay: 'Carry forward evangelizing mission with enthusiasm'; Vatican News — Pope Leo invites Uruguayan faithful to build bridges for peace; EWTN News — Papal Mass in Paysandú; Associated Press (via Crux) — Thousands pour into a park in Uruguay for Pope Leo's first Mass in South America

Photo: Vatican Media — Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass in Paysandú, Uruguay