Montevideo: Pope Leo XIV has called on Uruguay to strengthen its commitment to the common good, protect human dignity and ensure that everyone has access to essential services, including healthcare. He also stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence, responsible governance and caring for future generations during his first major address in the country.
The Pope made the remarks on Friday, November 6, at the beginning of his Apostolic Journey to Uruguay. He said he had come as the Successor of Peter and as a shepherd to meet the local Church and connect with the people of the country.
Drawing inspiration from La Redota, an important event in Uruguay's history, Pope Leo reflected on the responsibilities of public authorities and citizens in building a society that serves everyone. He referred to José Artigas, regarded as the Father of Uruguay, to underline that governing authority comes from the people and must remain accountable to them.
He said public institutions should serve the common good, respect the law and protect the freedom and responsibilities of citizens. He also highlighted the importance of democratic participation, clearly defined institutional powers and elections that allow people to choose their leaders.
Turning to the future, Pope Leo emphasised the responsibility of each generation to protect and pass on the resources and values it has received. He praised Uruguay's efforts to promote renewable energy and said concern for future generations must also include protecting unborn children, providing quality education and respecting the dignity of older people.
The Pope also drew attention to people facing difficulties that are not always visible, including loneliness, anxiety and loss of hope. Referring to the painful reality of suicide, he stressed that accessible healthcare, strong family relationships and support from the wider community are essential in ensuring that no one feels forgotten or isolated.
Speaking about healthcare, Pope Leo referred to his own recent experience of illness, which involved cancer and the surgical removal of part of one of his lungs. He expressed concern about people who cannot obtain timely medical diagnoses or the treatment they need because of financial difficulties.
He said every society has a responsibility to make healthcare available to all, regardless of their financial situation. He also emphasised the importance of ensuring that people receive the care they need and are accompanied with dignity until the natural end of their lives.
The Pope said the Catholic Church contributes to these efforts by supporting people who suffer and offering hope rooted in the Gospel. He explained that Christian hope reminds people facing difficult circumstances that their lives have meaning and value and that they are not alone.
Addressing Uruguay's diverse population, Pope Leo highlighted the importance of peaceful coexistence among people from different backgrounds and beliefs. He said governments must protect the freedom of both religious believers and non-believers, allowing them to live together with mutual respect.
Referring to the Second Vatican Council, he reaffirmed that people should neither be forced to act against their conscience nor prevented from acting according to it, within proper limits. He added that individuals and religious communities should be free to contribute to the common good while respecting the independence of civil institutions.
The Pope also extended this message of peaceful coexistence to relations between countries. He encouraged Uruguay to continue promoting respect for international law, dialogue and negotiations as ways of reaching agreements with neighbouring nations.
Recalling the long relationship between the Holy See and Uruguay, which dates back to the country's early years of independence, Pope Leo reaffirmed the Church's commitment to serving the people.
He said the Church wished to continue sharing what it had received through its faith, Jesus Christ and the hope of his Gospel, while working alongside others to promote the common good and protect the dignity of every person.