Pope Leo XIV draws over 40,000 to first South America Mass in Uruguay

DW reported that more than 40,000 people gathered in Uruguay as Pope Leo XIV celebrated the opening Mass of his South American tour. The celebration took place less than a month after the pontiff underwent cancer surgery. Leo used the occasion to try to revive interest in the Catholic Church in Uruguay, which DW described as the most secular nation in South America. The large turnout highlighted both the Pope’s personal resilience and the appeal of his message in a country where religious affiliation has been declining.

Why it matters

The event shows the Pope’s effort to re‑engage a largely secular population, a key step for the Catholic Church’s presence in the region.

Key details

Location

Germany · Europe

Reported by

DW

First reported

7 Nov 2026, 21:56 IST

Key names

Mass, Uruguay, Pope Leo XIV, South America

Section

World

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• DWMore than 40,000 gather as Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass in Uruguay 7 Nov, 21:56

Read the full story at DW ↗

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