Pope Leo invites Uruguayan faithful to build bridges for peace

In Uruguay, Pope Leo XIV concludes his brief visit to Paysandu with a visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, and encourages Catholics in Uruguay to sow peace in their lives and the world.

Pope Leo blesses a young person in Paysandu (VATICAN MEDIA)

Pope Leo XIV stopped for a moment of quiet prayer at the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and St. Benedict of Palermo in Paysandu, Uruguay, on Saturday, November 7.

As he left the Basilica, the Pope unveiled a plaque commemorating his visit and greeted the faithful gathered in the square.

Pope Leo thanked residents for their welcome and encouraged them to build bridges that bring people together.

Referring to the bridge that connects countries and his homily at Mass just before, the Pope said that faith in one God can unite people in the work of peace.

“These bridges unite us in faith because we believe in one God,” he said. “We believe that peace is possible, and we want to build it.”

The palm groves, he explained, express a desire to come together and build communities of faith.

The custom of sharing mate offered another image of closeness. Friends and family members can share their joys and difficulties, often without saying a word.

“These symbols help us carry on through pain, difficulties, and challenges,” he said. “They help us seek God’s presence among us and receive from the Lord the strength and courage to live and proclaim our faith in Jesus Christ, who has given us life.”

The Pope then returned by car to Tydeo Larre Borges International Airport for his return flight to Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay.

Construction of the present Cathedral began in 1860. Pope Pius XII raised it to the rank of Minor Basilica in 1949.

Devin Watkins
Source: vaticannews.va/en