World Church · November 11, 2026
Pope Visits Saint Thérèse Parish, Urges Faithful to Be Bold Christians
On November 8, 2026, Pope Leo XIV traveled to Florida, Uruguay, where he celebrated Mass at the pilgrimage site of the Thirty-Three Heroes. During the journey, the Pope visited the parish of the Holy Infant Jesus, named after Saint Thérèse, located in Juanicó, where he paused for a moment of prayer. He greeted around 2,000 joyful faithful in front of the church.
In his remarks, the Pope expressed his happiness at being present, saying, "Good morning, happy Sunday! Perhaps you do not know, but I am truly glad to be here, even for a short time." This parish is significant as it is the first in Uruguay named after the saint following her canonization.
The Pope shared that his family, particularly his father, holds a deep reverence for Saint Thérèse. He hoped that this brief visit would serve as a moment of homage and gratitude on the way to the country's most important Marian pilgrimage site.
He encouraged the attendees to grow in faith and to live out their beliefs boldly, urging them not to hesitate to declare, "I am a Christian, I am a Catholic, I believe in Jesus Christ." He concluded by reaffirming the essence of Christian teachings: the obligation to serve others, walk together, and share the joy of faith with the world.