Christian World | Pope Leo XIV told Montevideo's Casavalle community that Christians cannot ignore children kept out of school, urging Church, society and state to work together

ACW | November 8, 2026 — Pope Leo XIV told residents of Montevideo's disadvantaged Casavalle neighborhood on Saturday, Nov. 7, that Christians cannot turn a blind eye to injustice, Vatican News reported.

The afternoon meeting took place at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, where the pope heard testimonies from community members who have faced hardship, Vatican News said.

"We cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that there are children in Uruguay who do not go to school," the pope said. "We need to shake off our apathy and advocate for the common good," he added, calling on the Church, civil society and the state to work together.

He thanked benefactors of The Papal Foundation for funding several homes for families with limited means, and said he hoped they would be "a true home where you can grow in dignity, peace and hope."

Recalling the parable of the Good Samaritan, he said every Christian should hear its words each day: "Go and do likewise."

Background: Pope Leo began a 12-day trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru on Nov. 6. Earlier on Saturday he celebrated his first Mass in South America in Paysandú.

Why it matters: The pope put children's access to education at the centre of the meeting and urged religious and state institutions to cooperate for the common good, according to Vatican News.

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Source: Vatican News — Pope in Uruguay: 'We cannot turn a blind eye in the face of injustice'

Photo: Vatican Media