Pope Leo XIV urges Uruguayan youth to marry and start families
The Pope encouraged young people to embrace lifelong commitment during his South American tour in Uruguay.
Pope Leo XIV encouraged young people in Uruguay to marry and begin families during a youth prayer service in Montevideo. According to the Times of India, the Pope told the crowd not to be intimidated by the concept of lifelong commitment.
The appeal occurred on the second day of the Pope's visit to Uruguay, which is the first stop of a three-nation South American tour. He also called on Uruguayans to strengthen their faith and fraternity in a country described as the most secular in Latin America.
During his visit, the Pope travelled to Paysandú to celebrate his first Mass in South America. The Vatican estimated that approximately 40,000 people attended the service despite rainy and windy weather.
In Montevideo, the Pope visited the Casavalle neighbourhood to see homes built by the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. He highlighted the work of church groups that support individuals recovering from addiction.
The Pope also presided over a prayer vigil at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo. The Vatican estimated that 70,000 people were inside the stadium, while AP reported that another 30,000 watched on screens outside.
Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to depart Uruguay on Sunday afternoon for Argentina. The tour will conclude in Peru.