First day of León XIV in Uruguay: he quoted Artigas and left messages about life from conception and power

Pope Leo arrives at Independence Plaza to attend a welcome ceremony marking the first papal visit to Uruguay since 1988, as part of his 12-day trip through South America, in Montevideo (Uruguay), on November 6, 2026. REUTERS/Martin Varela Umpierrez "You've just arrived and the sun came out," Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi told Pope Leo XIV as soon as he set foot on Uruguayan soil. Pope Leo XIV's plane landed in Uruguay at 4:19 p.m., marking the return of a pontiff to the country after 38 years. Four minutes later, the bells of every parish in the country rang out as a gesture of welcome in the most secular nation on the continent. Two children handed him two bouquets of flowers, an offering meant to represent the flags of Uruguay and the Vatican. At Independence Plaza, which marks the entrance to Montevideo's Old City, the public began arriving early in the morning. During the first hours there were no large crowds: Friday was just another workday, and many waited until they got off work to come by. Pope Leo attends a welcome ceremony alongside Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi at Independence Plaza, marking the first papal visit to Uruguay since 1988, as part of his 12-day trip through South America, in Montevideo (Uruguay), on November 6, 2026. REUTERS/Yara Nardi "Pope Leo, we welcome you with love," sang some of those who gathered at the street points along the route the leader of the Catholic Church was expected to pass through. At Rodó Park, one of the busiest spots on Montevideo's rambla waterfront, Leo XIV boarded the popemobile. The least protocol-driven moment came when Leo XIV arrived at Independence Plaza. There he greeted Orsi again and walked past some young people who handed him letters. One boy hugged him and placed a note in his hand. Children attend a welcome ceremony at Independence Plaza in honor of Pope Leo, marking the first papal visit to Uruguay since 1988, as part of his 12-day trip through South America, in Montevideo (Uruguay), on November 6, 2026. REUTERS/Yara Nardi There, an image that Uruguay seems to have normalized played out: the gathering of presidents since the restoration of democracy. Leo XIV greeted Julio María Sanguinetti (1985-1990 and 1995-2000, from the Colorado Party), Luis Alberto Lacalle Herrera (1990-1995, from the National Party), and Luis Lacalle Pou (2020-2025, from the National Party). Pope Leo XIV arrived in the most secular country on the continent and, as expected, made indirect references to abortion and euthanasia, practices legalized by law in Uruguay. The decriminalization of voluntary termination of pregnancy was approved in 2012, and the assisted death law has been in effect since this year. Pope Leo delivers a speech at a welcome ceremony held at Independence Plaza, marking the first papal visit to Uruguay since 1988, as part of his 12-day trip through South America, in Montevideo (Uruguay), on November 6, 2026. REUTERS/Yara Nardi "Those who have not yet been born belong to the human family and to the future of their people. Their absolute dependence on their mother does not diminish the dignity that corresponds to them or the protection they deserve," the pope said in his speech. "The family remains the first setting where every person is welcomed and learns to live with others," he added. Pope Leo delivers a speech at a welcome ceremony held at Independence Plaza, marking the first papal visit to Uruguay since 1988, as part of his 12-day trip through South America, in Montevideo (Uruguay), on November 6, 2026. REUTERS/Yara Nardi Later, he spoke about the importance of care for the terminally ill. "Ensuring that healthcare is within reach of every person regardless of their resources is a responsibility that challenges all of society. Those going through any of these situations do not cease to be full members of society nor do they lose any of the value of their life," Leo XIV said. The pope said that, in those circumstances, the sick must receive assistance, resources, and accompaniment. "Life always retains a meaning and a value that is not alone, and even in darkness has not ceased to be loved by God," he said. Pope Leo XIV is received by Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi (right) and two children with flowers upon his arrival at General Cesáreo L. Berisso Montevideo-Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo, on the first day of his 12-day apostolic trip to South America, on Friday, November 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) The common thread of his speech was references to José Gervasio Artigas, Uruguay's national hero. The event took place at Independence Plaza, where the monument to the caudillo stands, including "scenes" — as the pontiff described them — that recall the 1811 exodus of the Oriental people. "My authority emanates from you and it ceases with your sovereign presence" is one of Artigas's most remembered phrases. Leo XIV invoked it to send a message to those who hold power: "Public authority finds its purpose in service to the common good. It is called to be exercised within the legal order, respecting the freedom and responsibility of citizens." Pope Leo XIV is seen on November 6 upon his arrival at Carrasco International Airport, in Carrasco (Uruguay). EFE/Raúl Martínez After the reference to the weather during their first encounter, Orsi welcomed him to the "patria grande" — the greater homeland — in his speech. "Dear friend," he called him. The first bilateral meeting between Orsi and the pope took place at the Vatican on October 17, 2025. There, the Uruguayan leader formally invited him to visit Uruguay. In his speech, Orsi highlighted the region as a place without wars and, in particular, Uruguay, the country where all the presidents can sit "in peace and with joy." Pope Leo attends a welcome ceremony alongside Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi at Independence Plaza, marking the first papal visit to Uruguay since 1988, as part of his 12-day trip through South America, in Montevideo (Uruguay), on November 6, 2026. REUTERS/Martín Varela Umpierrez The Uruguayan president also acknowledged that Uruguay has "pending tasks" and some "pains." "We cannot resign ourselves to or accept that, with the highest GDP in the region, we have the levels of child poverty we have today; the current mental health problems among children and adolescents; we must not resign ourselves to the elderly living in solitude," he said. Pope Leo XIII listens to Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi during a welcome ceremony at Independence Plaza, on the first papal visit to Uruguay since 1988, as part of his 12-day trip to South America, in Montevideo, Uruguay, on November 6, 2026. (REUTERS/Martin Varela Umpierrez) The president also acknowledged the limitations of the state's role in a society, and it was then that he praised the role of religion. "We are aware of the Church's social work and we must be grateful," he said. Orsi thanked the Vatican for its role in the defense of human rights and agreed with the "position of peaceful resolution of conflicts" that his government promotes before international organizations. The leader closed his speech by saying that one must not give up, and once again thanked the pope for his visit.