Pope Francis to visit Uruguay in November, first papal trip to Latin America

Pope Francis is set to make history with his upcoming visit to Uruguay in November, becoming the first pontiff to visit the South American nation since John Paul II's trips in 1987 and 1988. The visit, part of a larger tour that will also include Argentina and Peru, underscores Uruguay's significance on the global stage.

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What is clear is that we want the Pope to have an encounter with the reality of poverty in Uruguay in our pastoral meetings, but above all with what is done in these cases, which is a lot.

Upon arrival in Montevideo on November 6, the Pope will engage in a state visit, meeting with President Yamandú Orsi. This encounter is expected to strengthen diplomatic ties between Uruguay and the Vatican, particularly amidst a volatile global landscape. Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin emphasized the "extraordinary" nature of Uruguay being the first Latin American country on the Pope's itinerary, especially given the pontiff's Peruvian heritage.

The Pope's schedule includes a Mass in Paysandú on November 9, followed by a visit to the Casavalle neighborhood in Montevideo. This visit aims to shed light on the Church's extensive social work in the area, particularly its efforts to combat poverty. Cardinal Daniel Sturla highlighted the desire for the Pope to witness firsthand the collaboration between the State, the Church, and NGOs in supporting vulnerable populations.

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This year it falls exactly on the second Sunday of November, the 8th, and the Pope will go to Florida. That will be the great pastoral event. For us it is a coincidence, a providence.

A significant pastoral event is planned for the evening at the Centenario Stadium. Additionally, the Pope will travel to Florida on November 12, coinciding with the celebration of the Virgen de los Treinta y Tres, the patroness of Uruguay. Cardinal Sturla described this as a "providential" coincidence, though logistical challenges for the Mass in Florida are still being addressed.

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From the point of view of the Uruguayan State, it is a very strong, very powerful step forward in relations with the State of the Vatican in the face of such changing and dramatic global scenarios.