Pope Leo XIV has embarked on a massive 31,000 km South American tour just weeks after undergoing lung cancer surgery. The Pontiff arrived in Uruguay on Friday, and his first message to the South American nations was one of unity.
He urged regional countries to set aside their political differences and work together. Around 30,000 people gathered to see the first American pope speak at Independence Square.
He urged governments to resolve their differences through dialogue and negotiations rather than confrontation. The Pope praised Uruguay's democratic traditions and said the country could serve as an example for its neighbours at a time of growing political division across the continent.
He is scheduled to visit 10 different cities in Argentina and Peru, delivering 36 speeches over the next 12 days. The visit is particularly significant as the leader of the Catholic Church spent years in Peru as a missionary and bishop before becoming the pontiff.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni described the journey as a homecoming to places where Leo had spent much of his life. During his first address, the Pope also warned against allowing artificial intelligence (AI) to make workers expendable and called for an economy that benefits ordinary people rather than just the wealthy.
The visit comes amid political tensions between Brazil and Argentina, while Peru continues to face prolonged political instability. Leo is scheduled to meet Argentine President Javier Milei on Sunday before travelling to Peru on November 11.
The Vatican stated that the Pope has fully recovered from the October surgery and requires no special medical precautions during the tour. The international community is closely watching this visit, as it marks a pivotal moment for the Vatican's diplomatic outreach in the Western Hemisphere.
Security arrangements for the tour have been tightened across all host cities to ensure the safety of the Pontiff. Local authorities in Argentina and Peru have coordinated with Vatican security teams to manage the large crowds expected at each venue.
Observers note that the Pope's focus on economic justice and technological ethics reflects his long-standing commitment to social issues. His speeches are expected to influence regional policy discussions regarding labor rights and digital transformation.
As the tour progresses, the Vatican will provide daily updates on the Pope's health and the outcomes of his high-level meetings. This journey remains one of the most ambitious travel schedules for a modern pontiff, especially considering his recent health challenges.
The tour concludes on November 22, after which the Pope is expected to return to the Vatican to resume his regular duties. His resilience in undertaking such a demanding schedule has been widely praised by supporters and religious leaders globally.