Pope Leo XIV Arrives in Uruguay to Begin Latin American Apostolic Journey
Pope Leo XIV landed in Montevideo, Uruguay, at 4:19 PM local time on November 6, marking the start of his three-day visit to the country and his sixth international apostolic journey. Upon arrival at Montevideo-Carrasco International Airport, the Pontiff was officially welcomed at the foot of the aircraft by Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi.
At 5.54 pm (9.54 pm Rome time), the Holy Father Leo XIV arrived at Plaza Independencia , where, in front of the Torre Ejecutiva , he was welcomed by the President of the Republic of Uruguay.
Together they walked to the stage in front of the José Artigas Building. The Holy Father then greeted the Vice President of the Republic, the President of the Supreme Court of Justice, and the three former Heads of State and then ascended the stage with the President. A youth choir performed the national anthems.
This historic visit marks only the second time a Pope has visited Uruguay, following Saint John Paul II’s pilgrimages in 1987 and 1988. Uruguay is the first leg of a multi-country trip that will also take Pope Leo XIV to Argentina and Peru through November 17.
First Day Itinerary in Montevideo Following his arrival, the Pope traveled to Plaza de la Independencia for an official welcome ceremony in front of the Executive Tower. There, he addressed President Orsi, Vice President, the President of the Supreme Court, former heads of state, civil society members, and the diplomatic corps. Later in the evening, the Pontiff met privately with President Orsi at the José Artigas Building before traveling to the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception to celebrate Vespers with local clergy and religious leaders.
Papal Telegrams En Route In keeping with papal tradition, Pope Leo XIV sent messages to the heads of state of the countries he flew over during his 13.5-hour flight from Rome:
Italy: In a telegram to President Sergio Mattarella, the Pope entrusted his mission of peace to the Virgin Mary. President Mattarella responded warmly, emphasizing Italy's close ties to South America and offering his full support for the journey.
France, Algeria, Mauritania, Senegal, and Brazil: The Pope sent telegrams expressing gratitude for previous visits and offering prayers for peace, unity, and divine protection to Presidents Emmanuel Macron, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Mohamed Cheikh El Ghazouani, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
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