Pope Leo XIV Advocates for Universal Healthcare During Uruguay Visit

Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first mass of a 12-day South American tour in Paysandú, Uruguay, drawing a crowd of 40,000 faithful. During the visit, the pontiff called for universal healthcare access, citing his own recent surgery for lung cancer.

Vatican and local authorities reported that approximately 40,000 people gathered on Saturday morning at the Parque París Londres in Paysandú to hear the Pope. Deutsche Welle noted that 10,000 attendees braved the rain to join 30,000 registered pilgrims from Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil. During the service, which was dedicated to Blessed Jacinto Vera, the Pope used local symbols such as the General Artigas bridge and mate tea to illustrate themes of unity and brotherhood, according to Euronews.

In an address to civic and political leaders in Montevideo, the 71-year-old pontiff made an impassioned plea for universal healthcare access. CBS News reported that the Pope referenced his recent hospitalization for the removal of a cancerous tumor from his right lung. He stated that his experience with illness made him think of those who lack the resources for a timely diagnosis, adding that ensuring healthcare for everyone is a duty for every society.

The Pope also addressed social issues during his stay in the capital. According to Deutsche Welle, he visited the neighborhood of Casavalle, where he spoke against drug violence and the importance of protecting children. He praised Uruguay for its decades of democracy but emphasized that a nation's success should be measured by how it protects human dignity and its most vulnerable citizens.

The 12-day journey, which includes upcoming stops in Argentina and Peru, is the longest of Leo XIV's pontificate. While the Pope is traveling with a standard medical team, Vatican officials told CBS News that no special measures were necessary as he is in good health. The tour concluded its Uruguayan leg with a prayer vigil at Centenario Stadium attended by 60,000 young people.

Background

Pope Leo XIV, a citizen of the United States and Peru, previously served as an Augustinian missionary and as the bishop of Chiclayo, Peru. On October 13, he underwent surgery at Rome's Gemelli Hospital to remove a cancerous tumor, but was cleared for travel by his doctors prior to this international journey.