---
title: Pope Leo XIV Calls for Unity and Brotherhood During Uruguay Visit
url: https://www.faithfulnews.com/en/pope-leo-xiv-calls-for-unity-and-brotherhood-during-uruguay-visit
published: 2026-11-10T19:49:14+00:00
language: en
section: World Church
source: https://www.vaticannews.va/ko/pope/news/2026-11/papa-viaggio-americalatina4.html
organizations: Catholic Church
publisher: FaithfulNews
---

# Pope Leo XIV Calls for Unity and Brotherhood During Uruguay Visit

Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first mass on Uruguayan soil in Paysand on November 7, 2026. The event took place at Parque Paris Londres and was attended by numerous faithful from the Uruguayan church and pilgrims from neighboring countries.

During the homily, the Pope honored the life and ministry of Blessed Jacinto Vera, the former Bishop of Montevideo. He described Vera as the Gaucho Bishop who traveled across the territory three times on horseback to care for the sick despite dangerous roads and poor weather. The Pope highlighted Vera's actions during the 1864 defense of Paysand, noting that the bishop stayed on the Island of Charity to care for wounded people and refugees from both sides of the conflict while praying for peace.

Pope Leo XIV used three local symbols to discuss the mission of the faith. He pointed to the General Artigas International Bridge, which connects two neighboring countries over the Uruguay River, as a call for believers to be bridge builders who promote communication, unity, and the joy of faith. He emphasized that such bridges must have strong foundations in Christian upbringing to withstand the currents of diverse teachings.

The Pope also referenced the palm tree, noting that these trees grow in groves rather than alone. He compared this to the church, which he described as a community of brothers and sisters rooted in the word of God, sacraments, prayer, and the practice of love.

Finally, the Pope spoke about mate, a traditional South American drink, as a symbol of intimacy, friendship, and encounter. He stated that mate teaches how to share and be together, representing hospitality and integration. He noted that the drink can also accompany moments of solitude and prayer.

Closing his address, the Pope urged the faithful to continue the mission of evangelization by nurturing children and youth in the faith, accompanying families, and caring for the elderly. He encouraged the community to be a praying collective that maintains a dialogue with the Lord.

## This story in other languages

- [Português (Brasil)](https://www.faithfulnews.com/pt-br/papa-convida-a-construir-lacos-de-fraternidade-em-missa-no-uruguai)