Pope Francis urges Uruguay's Catholics to foster dialogue and unity

Pope Francis addressed Uruguay’s Catholic faithful on Tuesday, urging them to become “bridge builders” of faith and fraternity as he marked the second day of a 12‑day pilgrimage through Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, just three weeks after undergoing surgery for lung cancer. The appeal came during a mass at Montevideo’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, where the pontiff emphasized dialogue, social cohesion and the Church’s role in a polarized society.

The visit arrives at a moment when Uruguay, long known for its secular constitution and progressive social policies, faces a resurgence of religious debate. The country’s Catholic population, once dominant, now accounts for roughly 38 % of residents, while evangelical groups and secular organizations vie for influence. Pope Francis’s tour follows a series of papal trips to Latin America that have highlighted themes of mercy, environmental stewardship and economic justice, aiming to reinvigorate a Church that has seen declining attendance in the region. His recent lung‑cancer surgery, disclosed in March, has added a personal note of resilience to his public messages, underscoring the urgency of his pastoral outreach.

In his speech, the Pope called on clergy and laity alike to “build bridges across the divides that separate us—political, economic, cultural, and religious.” He met with Uruguay’s bishops, who praised the call as a timely reminder of the Church’s mission to serve the poor and marginalised. Local officials, including President Luis Lacalle Pou’s office, welcomed the message, noting its potential to temper growing social tensions ahead of the 2025 general elections. Observers say the Pope’s emphasis on fraternity could bolster the Church’s involvement in education and health initiatives that remain critical in Uruguay’s rural provinces.

The pontiff will continue his itinerary with a visit to the historic town of Colonia del Sacramento on Wednesday, followed by a stop in Buenos Aires to meet with Argentine President Javier Milei. He is scheduled to conclude the tour in Lima, where he will address the Peruvian bishops’ conference. Analysts expect the “bridge‑building” theme to echo in the Pope’s upcoming encyclical on solidarity, shaping the Church’s stance on social division worldwide.