Pallade Veneta - Pope Leo begins three-country South American tour in Uruguay

Weather - Venezia 11°C

Pope Leo begins three-country South American tour in Uruguay

POLITICS 07.11.2026

Pope Leo begins three-country South American tour in Uruguay

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Montevideo to begin a 12-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, three weeks after surgery for lung cancer.

Change text size:

The Vatican estimated that about 30,000 people gathered along the route and at the opening ceremony. Leo, 71, met President Yamandú Orsi at Plaza Independencia and later presided over evening prayers at Montevideo Cathedral.

In his address, Leo praised Uruguay’s development and called on the state to protect human dignity and provide care through the natural end of life, language reflecting Catholic opposition to euthanasia. Uruguay legalised assisted dying in 2025 and is widely regarded as Latin America’s most secular country.

The pope said he had been confident the trip would proceed despite doubts about his health. He underwent surgery on October 13 to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung. After Uruguay, he is due to visit Argentina and Peru, where he spent two decades as a missionary bishop.

P.Colombo--PV

Featured

Britain considers 2027 state visit for Ukraine’s Zelensky

The UK government is preparing for a possible state visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in 2027, although officials say the plan has not been finalised.

Carney Welcomes U.S. Trade Reversal After Democratic Midterm Victory

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated that his government welcomes any moves to restore free trade with the United States, following Democratic gains in the U.S. midterm elections. With Democrats securing control of both chambers of Congress, officials in Washington are signaling a priority to repeal tariffs on Canadian products, intensifying pressure to resolve ongoing trade tensions.

Spain Nominates Hernández de Cos and Díaz for Key International Posts

Spain has officially put forward two high-profile candidates for leadership roles in major international organizations. Economist Pablo Hernández de Cos is seeking the presidency of the European Central Bank, while Labor Minister Yolanda Díaz is running for the head of the International Labour Organization, with voting set for November.

Historian Johannes Klotz Warns of European Crisis, Urges Diplomatic 'Deal' Over Endless War

Historian Johannes Klotz has issued a stark warning regarding the long-term consequences of the war in Ukraine for European stability, arguing that endless military engagement is accelerating a broader continental crisis. In a recent analysis, Klotz contends that the conflict is exacerbating Germany's economic decline and social fragmentation, urging political leaders to prioritize a negotiated diplomatic settlement over continued arms supplies.

Change text size: