Pope Leo XIV Addresses Violence and Child Poverty During Uruguay Visit

Pope Leo XIV, recently recovering from lung cancer surgery, is on a 12-day tour of South America, where he previously served as a missionary. During his visit to Casavalle in Montevideo, he highlighted the alarming levels of violence and child poverty in the area, which has a murder rate four times higher than the national average.

Residents in Casavalle report hearing gunfire every night, and the pope expressed concern that many children are afraid to attend school. He stated, “In a country as rich in resources as this, children should never have to go to bed hungry… Much less should they have to suffer violence to the point of losing their lives.”

The rise in violence in Uruguay is linked to the country’s increasing involvement in the cocaine trade, with gangs fighting for control of drug routes. This has led to a surge in murders, particularly among young men. Many youths are drawn into crime as a way to earn money, and UNICEF reports that about 40% of children and adolescents live in poverty in the country.

During his visit, the pope listened to personal stories of hardship. One young mother, Katherine Silva, shared her experiences of violence and homelessness, while others described the normalization of violence in their neighborhoods. Despite the challenges, some locals expressed hope that the pope’s visit could inspire change in their lives.

On his second day in Uruguay, the pope encouraged Catholics to act as “bridge builders” for their faith, noting a significant decline in the number of people identifying as Catholic in Latin America over the past three decades. He also participated in local traditions, such as sharing mate, a herbal drink, with the community.

Pope Leo XIV’s tour will continue to Argentina and Peru, where he has strong ties. His health remains a focus, but he has reassured the public that he is feeling well as he carries out his duties.