Originally published at The Crux
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SÃO PAULO, Brazil – The Vatican’s confirmation of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in November was met with joy by most Catholics in the region, although some fear political forces may attempt to exploit the three-nation tour at a turbulent moment for several South American countries.
The Holy See announced on Aug. 5 that the pontiff will travel to Montevideo, Paysandú and Florida between Nov. 6-8. Argentina will come next, with the pope visiting Córdoba, Buenos Aires and Luján. The trip will conclude in Peru, where he will travel to Lima, Chiclayo, Cuzco and Pucallpa between Nov. 11-17.
Uruguay, widely regarded as the Latin American country with the most stable democratic institutions, is not expected to pose political challenges for Leo XIV. His greatest challenge there will be the Church’s limited presence in society.
A 2024 Latinobarómetro survey showed that only 33 percent of Uruguayans identify as Catholic. The majority of the population (52 percent) professes no religion.
“It’s not only a very secular country, but one that is becoming increasingly secular, which means the Church is not sufficiently valued,” Father Miguel Suárez, a Salesian priest in Paysandú, told Crux Now.
“But there is still
