Over 40,000 Gather as Pope Leo XIV Celebrates Mass in Uruguay

Pope Leo XIV Arrives in Montevideo

The pontiff touched down at Carrasco International Airport on a bright Saturday morning, greeted by a sea of umbrellas and flags. Local officials welcomed him with a formal ceremony that included a brief address from the President of Uruguay. The arrival was covered live by national broadcasters and streamed on the Vatican website, where millions of viewers followed the procession to the historic cathedral.

Mass at the Montevideo Cathedral

Inside the neoclassical Montevideo Cathedral, more than 40,000 people gathered on the plaza and in adjoining streets to listen to the Pope’s homily. The liturgy was celebrated in Spanish and featured a choir of local schoolchildren. The Pope emphasized themes of mercy, solidarity and the importance of protecting the environment, echoing the encyclical Laudato si that calls for care of creation.

Scale of the crowd

Organizers estimated the total attendance at around 42,000, a figure confirmed by police reports. The crowd stretched several blocks, with many faithful watching from balconies, rooftops and open vehicles. Security personnel from the Uruguayan National Police coordinated with Vatican security teams to ensure smooth movement and rapid response capabilities.

Key moments of the liturgy

The Mass included several notable moments:

Presentation of a symbolic olive branch representing peace.
Reading of a passage from the Gospel of Matthew that speaks of caring for the poor.
A special prayer for the victims of recent natural disasters in the region.

After the consecration, the Pope blessed the assembled faithful, extending his right hand to the crowd in a gesture that drew audible cheers.

Nighttime prayer vigil for youth

Following the daytime celebration, a nighttime prayer vigil was organized in the Plaza Independencia. Organizers projected a live feed of the Pope’s address onto a large screen, allowing an estimated 60,000 young people to participate. The vigil featured contemporary Christian music, spoken testimonies from local youth leaders and a moment of silence for those lost to violence.

Program highlights

Opening chant performed by a popular Uruguayan gospel band.
Testimony from a university student who founded a community garden.
Interactive prayer segment where participants submitted digital prayer requests.
Closing benediction delivered by the Archbishop of Montevideo.

The event was promoted through social media platforms, and many attendees shared photos using the hashtag #PopeInUruguay, creating a digital mosaic of the night’s devotion.

Historical context of papal visits to Uruguay

Uruguay has welcomed three pontiffs in the past century. Pope John Paul II visited in 1988, focusing on human rights and social justice. Pope Benedict XVI made a brief stop in 2015, emphasizing dialogue with indigenous peoples. Pope Leo XIV’s visit marks the first large‑scale celebration in the country since the turn of the millennium, highlighting Uruguay’s growing role in regional Catholic outreach.

Security and logistics

The scale of the gathering required a coordinated effort among multiple agencies. The Ministry of Interior deployed over 5,000 officers, while the National Guard set up temporary medical stations. Traffic was rerouted through peripheral avenues, and public transportation operated on an extended schedule to accommodate pilgrims arriving from neighboring cities.

Reactions from local leaders and the faithful

President Luis Lacalle Pou praised the event as a "moment of unity and hope for our nation." The Archbishop of Montevideo, Archbishop Montecelo, highlighted the Pope’s call for ecological stewardship, noting that Uruguay is a leader in renewable energy. Many participants expressed personal gratitude, sharing stories of how the Mass inspired renewed commitment to community service.

International media covered the event extensively. Reuters highlighted the Pope’s emphasis on climate action, while BBC News reported on the massive turnout of young people at the vigil. The Catholic News Agency noted that the Pope’s itinerary includes stops in Argentina and Brazil later this week.