---
title: Pope Leo XIV Arrives in Uruguay to Begin Sixth Apostolic Journey
url: https://www.faithfulnews.com/en/pope-leo-xiv-arrives-in-uruguay-to-begin-sixth-apostolic-journey
published: 2026-11-09T14:51:07+00:00
language: en
section: World Church
source: https://www.vaticannews.va/pt/papa/news/2026-11/papa-leao-xiv-chega-ao-uruguai-e-inicia-6-viagem-apostolica.html
publisher: FaithfulNews
---

# Pope Leo XIV Arrives in Uruguay to Begin Sixth Apostolic Journey

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Uruguay on Friday, November 6, initiating his sixth international apostolic journey. This visit marks the first time the Pontiff has traveled to South America since the beginning of his papacy. The papal aircraft landed at the General Cesáreo L. Berisso International Airport in Montevideo at 16:19 local time. The flight lasted more than thirteen hours after departing from Rome/Fiumicino International Airport at 07:05 Italian time. Uruguay is the first of three nations the Holy Father will visit during a twelve-day trip scheduled from November 6 to November 17. He will remain in Uruguay until Sunday, November 8. This makes him the second Pope to visit the country, following Saint John Paul II, who visited in 1987 and 1988.

The Pope’s initial engagements in Montevideo began with an official welcome at the airport. He then proceeded to Independence Square in the capital’s center for a welcome ceremony scheduled for 17:30. During this event, President Yamandú Orsi received the Pontiff. The Pope also greeted representatives of the country’s main institutions. At 17:45, he met with authorities, civil society members, and the diplomatic corps. He delivered his first speech on Uruguayan soil during this gathering. Following this, at 18:15, he paid an official visit to the President at the José Artigas Building, one of the seats of the Uruguayan Presidency.

The final commitment of the day focused on the ecclesial community. At 19:10, the Holy Father presided over Vespers at the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Saints Philip and James. Bishops, priests, deacons, religious men and women, and seminarians participated in the celebration. The Pope delivered a homily during the service. The apostolic journey will continue with further engagements in Uruguay in the coming days. Subsequent stages of the trip will take place in Argentina and Peru. The Pope’s return to South America holds special significance because he lived on the continent for more than two decades. He served as a missionary and bishop in Peru during that period.