Addressing an estimated gathering of 40,000 people in Uruguay on Saturday, Pope Leo XIV called for the construction of bridges grounded in faith and fraternity.

Delivering his maiden Mass in South America just weeks after undergoing lung cancer surgery, the pontiff offered a warm homage to the region's cherished mate tea while seeking to elevate the presence of the Catholic Church within South America's most secular nation.

Chants of "Olé, olé, olé, olé, Pope, Pope!" resounded as Leo’s aircraft landed in the western city of Paysandú, situated along the border with Argentina . The congregation erupted into cheers once more, sounding horns and waving yellow handkerchiefs, as he arrived in his open-sided popemobile at the Parque París Londres, a sprawling green expanse on the southern fringe of the city.

Over 30,000 people, hailing from Uruguay alongside neighbouring Argentina and Brazil, had registered in advance for the service held roughly 375 kilometres (230 miles) from the capital, Montevideo.…