Pope Leo XIV, continuing his three-nation South American tour, delivered a message of fraternity and faith to an estimated 40,000 people in Paysandú, Uruguay, on Saturday, using the region’s beloved mate tea as a symbol of unity and urging the faithful to build bridges in a secular world, NBC News reported.
Pope Presses on with Tour Despite Surgery
The crowd in Parque París Londres erupted in “Olé, olé, olé, olé, Pope, Pope!” chants as the pontiff’s plane landed in this western Uruguayan city, which sits on the border with Argentina. The choice of location was strategic, providing easy access for pilgrims from across the region. Paysandú’s location on the Uruguay River makes it a natural crossroads.
Despite undergoing lung cancer surgery on Oct. 13, Leo pressed on with his ambitious 12-day, three-nation tour. His personal resolve became a central theme for many attendees. “He’s the representative of Christ but he’s human. And we weren’t sure if he could make it, but he pushed through for us,” said Soledad Sánchez, 73, who had driven from northern Uruguay, her eyes filling with tears. This act of endurance, for many, was a sermon in itself, a testament to the Pope’s commitment to delivering a message of peace at a time of global turbulence.
Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass in Paysandu, Uruguay, on Saturday, and recalled Blessed Jacinto Vera and the missionaries who evangelized the region. “Today it is our turn to continue the legacy left to us by these sowers of the Gospel. We must do so bearing in mind the word of… pic.twitter.com/k5xRBCzvH2”
Mate as a Metaphor: A Shared Ritual in a Fragmented World
In his homily, the Pope delivered a poignant ode to mate, the bitter herbal tea that is more than a drink in these parts; it is a ritual of community. “It teaches us to share and to be together, strengthening the bonds that unite us as brothers and sisters,” he said, drawing warm applause. He pointed to the gourd, passed from hand to hand and shared through a single metal straw, as a model for how faith and society should operate.
But there is a catch. The Pope’s message is aimed squarely at Uruguay, a nation with a population of 3.5 million that is South America’s most secular country. While over 30,000 registered in advance for the Mass, and another 10,000 braved the rain, the city of Paysandú itself greeted the event with quiet indifference. Scant decorations, few homes with Vatican flags—it was as if a global spiritual leader was visiting on an ordinary weekend.
The Connection Between Uruguay and Argentina
By choosing a location near the bridge over the Uruguay River that physically unites Uruguay and Argentina, the Pope used the symbolism of connection to speak to the region’s shared identity. Many pilgrims traveled across that bridge to attend the Mass.
Later on Saturday, the Pope’s schedule reinforced this message of engagement with the world’s harsh realities. He toured a Montevideo neighborhood beset by drug trafficking and gang violence, where the church is working with municipal authorities on housing and rehabilitation programs. This move connects his spiritual message directly to the economic and security fabric of the nation.
| Country | Annual Mate Consumption (per person) |
|---|---|
| Uruguay | ~20 lbs |
From Local Ritual to Global Significance
The Pope’s embrace of mate is more than a charming cultural gesture. In an era of digital disconnection, the act of sharing a gourd—a tangible, intimate ritual—becomes a powerful metaphor for rebuilding human connection. This approach has particular resonance for younger generations in the region, who are seeking meaning and community in difficult times.
“I wouldn’t call myself religious, but I like this pope. He has a really good message for humanity. Even for the nonbelievers, there’s something to take from his ideas,” said Santiago Biglieri, 18, a Colombian who lives in Uruguay.
For a global audience watching from afar, the story is one of resilience and reconnection. It asks a fundamental question: How do we build bridges in a world that feels increasingly fractured? The Pope’s answer, rooted in the simple act of sharing a cup of tea, offers a vision of fraternity that is both ancient and urgently modern. As the faithful prepare for a prayer vigil in Montevideo’s Centenary Stadium, the message is clear: the path forward may begin with a shared sip.
🚨 Pope Leo XIV is celebrating Mass in Uruguay pic.twitter.com/hSFxK1QRPA
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