Day 1 of Pope Leo XIV's South American tour

Pope Leo began his 12-day South American tour in Montevideo, where he was welcomed by Uruguay's President Yamandu Orsi and cheered by thousands of people. Speaking at a half-empty Plaza Independencia, Pope Leo raised concerns over Uruguay's high suicide rate, among the world's highest, and called for healthcare to be accessible to everyone.

Reflecting on the care he received after his lung cancer diagnosis, he highlighted the plight of those unable to access timely diagnosis and treatment. The 71-year-old pontiff will visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, meeting political leaders, prisoners, and old friends on one of the most intense papal trips in decades.