Montevideo: Pope Leo XIV has praised Uruguay for its young people and their faith, expressing his joy at meeting the crowds who gathered to welcome him during the first day of his Apostolic Journey to the country.
Speaking from the balcony of the Apostolic Nunciature in Montevideo on Friday evening, November 6, the Pope thanked the people for their warm welcome and greeted the young people who had gathered outside to see him.
Describing Uruguay as “a country of young people who have faith”, Pope Leo encouraged the crowd to make their voices heard as they cheered his arrival. He called out to the young people, asking where they were and encouraging them to respond more loudly.
The Pope also expressed his hope of meeting them again during the coming days of his visit. He said it was a great joy to greet them and thanked everyone who had welcomed him throughout the day.
Adding a touch of humour to the gathering, Pope Leo joked that the Apostolic Nuncio wanted to go to sleep, although the young people were welcome to continue singing. He reminded them, however, that their neighbours would also need rest.
Earlier on Friday, the Pope presided over Vespers at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Saints Philip and James in Montevideo. The celebration brought together bishops, priests, deacons, men and women religious, and seminarians.
Following the service, he travelled to the Apostolic Nunciature, which is serving as his residence during his visit to Uruguay.
Before returning inside, Pope Leo blessed the people gathered outside and wished them a good night, bringing his first day in the country to a close.