Pope Leo XIV Condemns Drug Violence's Toll on Children in Uruguay

Pope Leo XIV condemned the toll of rising drug-related violence on children during a visit to Casavalle, a crime-hit neighborhood in Montevideo, Uruguay, where residents report frequent gunfire and the murder rate is several times the national average. He said children should not have to fear going to school or lose their lives to violence, and urged society not to respond with indifference. Uruguay’s worsening violence is linked to its growing role in the cocaine trade and gang competition over drug routes. Residents described the effects of abuse, homelessness and shootings on families, while the Church’s visit also included the blessing of 12 low-income homes it financed.