--- title: "Pope Leo XIV Celebrates First Mass in South America" url: https://newscentral.site/pope-leo-xiv-celebrates-first-mass-in-south-america/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "World" published: 2026-11-07T12:52:22.000Z updated: 2026-11-07T13:44:18.133Z id: 71048c9e-e070-4eb8-8234-0c45bc0f0d38 source: "ABC News International https://abcnews.com/International/wireStory/thousands-pour-park-uruguay-pope-leos-mass-south-137938096" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/pope-leo-xiv-celebrates-first-mass-in-south-america/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Pope Leo XIV Celebrates First Mass in South America Thousands of people have gathered in Paysandú to attend Pope Leo XIV's first Mass in South America, with over 30,000 registered attendees from Uruguay and neighboring countries. Thousands of people have gathered in the city of Paysandú on the Uruguay River for Pope Leo XIV's first Mass in South America. The city is hosting a major event as the pontiff seeks to increase the profile of the Catholic Church in Uruguay, which is the region's most secular country. Over 30,000 people from Uruguay and neighboring countries Argentina and Brazil have registered to attend the Mass at Parque París Londres, a large green space on the southern edge of Paysandú. Pope Leo XIV chose this city for his first Mass as part of a three-nation South American tour that was in doubt after he underwent lung cancer surgery last month. The crowd began streaming into the park when gates opened at 5:30 a.m., with people dressed in rain ponchos and many wearing yellow, the Vatican's signature color. As they waited for the Mass to begin, some attendees expressed their admiration for Pope Leo XIV's determination to continue his tour despite his recent health issues. As Pope Leo XIV continues his tour across South America, he is seeking to encourage the population in Uruguay's secular society to turn to the Catholic faith for guidance and strength in addressing today's challenges. The Pope plans to emphasize this message during a visit to a Montevideo neighborhood plagued by drug trafficking and gang violence. The church has been working closely with local authorities to establish housing projects and rehabilitation programs for addicts, highlighting its commitment to community development. Later on Saturday, the Pope is scheduled to attend a prayer vigil at the Centenary Stadium in Montevideo, an event that will likely reinforce his call to reject indifference towards faith and instead embrace the Catholic Church's teachings. The Pope acknowledged during a vespers service in Montevideo's cathedral on Friday that many Uruguayans are unfamiliar with the Catholic faith and its historical significance to the country's independence and identity. In addressing seminarians, priests, and bishops, the Pope emphasized the importance of modeling themselves after Christ as a means of attracting followers. Paysandú's scenic location made it an attractive stop for many Argentines on Pope Leo's tour of South America. The city's proximity to the eastern Argentine city of Colón allowed pilgrims from across the border to easily access the site. For Luciana Lobato, a 20-year-old Argentine tour agent, organizing buses for 180 pilgrims was a labor of love. She noted that Argentina is a more religious country than Uruguay, and many people were eager to witness something historic during the pope's visit. Some young Catholics in local church groups saw an opportunity to challenge Uruguay's reputation as a secular nation. They hoped that the sight of large crowds gathering for the Mass would demonstrate a renewed interest in faith among Uruguay's youth. Teresa Sabellini, 18, from Paysandú, observed that her town was not particularly decorated for the pope's visit. However, she pointed out the sheer number of people present, which she felt spoke volumes about the region's spiritual aspirations. The Mass on Saturday will honor Blessed Jacinto Vera, a 19th-century priest who became Uruguay's first bishop. Pope Leo praised Vera as a compassionate pastor who traveled extensively to serve the poor and was often found by those he helped to embody Christ's goodness. Thousands gathered in a park in Uruguay to attend Pope Leo's first Mass on South American soil, drawing a diverse crowd that extended beyond traditional worshippers. The pontiff's emphasis on compassion and care for the vulnerable has resonated with people of various faiths and backgrounds. Younger attendees were particularly drawn to the pope's message, with many expressing admiration for his humane tone. "I wouldn't call myself religious," said Santiago Biglieri, an 18-year-old Colombian living in Uruguay, "but I like this pope - he has a really good message for humanity." His words reflect the impact of the pope's ideas on those who may not identify as believers. --- Source: [ABC News International](https://abcnews.com/International/wireStory/thousands-pour-park-uruguay-pope-leos-mass-south-137938096) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/pope-leo-xiv-celebrates-first-mass-in-south-america/