Pope Leo Urges South America to Bridge Divides

Pope Leo XIV urged South Americans to bridge national and political divides and strengthen regional cooperation during a historic visit to Paysandú, Uruguay, where tens of thousands gathered for an outdoor Mass despite heavy rain. Drawing on the nearby bridge linking Uruguay and Argentina, he called for openness, communication and stronger bonds, and urged governments to work together on shared problems including poverty, political instability, environmental destruction and arms trafficking. His 12-day tour also includes Argentina and Peru, where he served for decades as a missionary; it comes less than a month after lung cancer surgery.