Pope Leo XIV Celebrates First Mass in the Americas in a City of 80,000
Pope Leo XIV chose the border city of Paysandú, Uruguay, to celebrate his first mass in the Americas, gathering over 40,000 faithful in a secular country.
TL;DR
- Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first mass in the Americas in Paysandú, Uruguay.
- He honored Blessed Jacinto Vera, the first bishop of Uruguay, recalling him as the 'Gaucho bishop'.
- The homily highlighted the deep historical roots of the Catholic Church in Uruguay, a secular nation.
- More than 40,000 people attended the mass in a city of 80,000, despite cold and windy conditions.
- The Pope used the symbols of bridges, palm trees, and mate to convey messages of unity and faith.
- This was the first papal visit to Uruguay since Pope John Paul II in 1988.
- The Pope will continue his tour in Argentina and Peru.