Pope Leo’s Visit to Uruguay
In the context of Pope Leo’s visit to Paysandú, Uruguay—centered on the theme "I proclaim to you great joy" (Luke 2:10)—we shared an experience of Church, fraternity, and communion with the local people and among us, the "Pastorelle" (Sisters of the Good Shepherd) sisters.
On November 7, 2026, we welcomed Pope Leo to our land. We had the opportunity to participate actively in the preparations, as well as in various roles during the celebration of the Eucharist.
Our preparation, carried out alongside the community, included animating local groups, conducting catechesis, organizing days of prayer, and holding planning meetings to coordinate the logistics and services for this historic event in the Diocese of Salto.
We also welcomed our fellow "Pastorcitas" sisters who traveled from the community of Santana do Livramento, in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It was an experience of deep communion—sharing our lives and the immense joy of seeing Pope Leo so close to us.
The parish to which we belong also prepared for the Pope’s visit, with many parishioners taking part in the celebratory event.
Although this is a setting where Catholicism is not the predominant faith—within a secular state—the visit was very well received, and participation was strong. Nearly 40,000 people gathered at Parque Paris Londres for Pope Leo’s first Holy Mass in Latin America. While inclement weather hindered the scheduled 9:30 a.m. arrival in Paysandú, it did not in any way disrupt the orderly conduct of the event. The liturgy incorporated elements honoring Blessed Jacinto Vera, the country’s first bishop—a man of great missionary spirit and a true shepherd who, despite the many challenges of his time, faithfully accompanied communities across the vast Uruguayan territory.
In this celebration, three significant symbols were highlighted during the homily:
1. The Bridge: The Pope underscores the importance of being bridge-builders and having firm foundations in our Christian life.
2. The Palm Tree: A symbol of this land, representing unity, living in community, and having deep roots.
3. The mate: A cultural symbol characteristic of this region; whether alone or in a group, people come together to share life—its joys and its sufferings.
From our personal experience as "Pastorelle" the tangible and heartfelt closeness of Pope Leo XIV brought us great joy and served to renew our vocation to communion with the Church and with our Shepherd.
Communities of Paysandú (Uruguay) and Santana do Livramento (Brazil)
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