MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (RNS) — Religiously unaffiliated Uruguayans told RNS they retain a mix of skepticism and hope that the visit will bring some benefit to the country.

Pope Leo XIV greets the faithful as he arrives to celebrate Mass at Parque Paris Londres in Paysandu, Uruguay, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello

VATICAN CITY (RNS) – Opening his Latin America trip in Montevideo, Leo drew on his recent illness and a monument dedicated to Uruguay’s national hero to urge leaders to care for those who need it most.