Pope in Uruguay: Don't confuse smallness with insignificance

Prayer Vigil at Estadio Centenario

Source: Vatican Media

Pope Leo's first full day in Uruguay began with Mass in a rainy Parque París Londres in Paysandú, a river city facing Argentina. Around 40,000 people attended. Many had crossed the border to get there.

In his homily Pope Leo pointed to the General Artigas International Bridge over the Uruguay River and told the crowd: "That is why it is so important to be builders of bridges!"

Then he reflected on Mate tea - the popular local beverage which is often shared in a gourd - a 'bombilla'. Pope Leo said: "Mate is a sign of familiarity, friendship and encounter. It teaches us to share and to be together, strengthening the bonds that unite us as brothers and sisters."

He noted that Mate tea "has even made its way to Rome" - to the amusement of the crowds.

Leaving Paysandu, Pope Leo stopped to pray in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. He told the crowd waiting outside: "We are united because we believe in one God.. and we believe that peace is possible, and we want to build peace."

Back in Montevideo, on his way to Casavalle, the Pope made a brief stop at the Hogar Sacerdotal Monseñor Jacinto Vera, home for about 20 elderly diocesan priests. He greeted each one individually, and spoke about "the absolute value of life, even when it is weakened by age or illness." They then prayed the Our Father together before he gave his blessing.

Pope Leo's next stop was Casavalle, a poor neighbourhood on the city's northern edge which has a very high crime rate. A mother wept telling him about the years she spent raising a child while homeless. The Holy Father said: "We cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that there are children in Uruguay who do not go to school for fear of never returning home... A child in a land so rich in resources, he added, "should not have to go to sleep hungry."

At the Jesuit-run Catholic University of Uruguay, which John Paul II visited 38 years ago, Leo asked educators to use technology wisely, "placing the person before the algorithm."

He warned that a culture which attributes "intelligence" to computer systems can struggle to see the dignity of people whose productivity has faded. "Those who listen," he said, "recognize others as a blessing, not as a threat."

Afterward he leaned out of an upper window above the courtyard, where a large crowd of students had gathered. He told them that hoped the enthusiasm they felt that afternoon would stay with them every day, and that they would become "the voice Uruguay needs."

In the evening Pope Leo led a prayer vigil at Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Uruguay. According to local authorities, over 70,000 people were present inside the stadium, with an additional 30,000 following outside on screens.

Pope Leo noted that Catholics are a minority in Uruguay, but said: "God chose Bethlehem, and that choice is enough for us not to confuse smallness with insignificance." He urged them to marry and raise families. "Do not be afraid of 'forever'!" he told them.

The Pope was visibly moved as the stadium sang the Salve Regina at the end of the service.