Carolina Bellocq
The pope's main event in the Uruguayan capital was this vigil at the Centenario Stadium, famous for being the site of the final match of the first World Cup in 1930.
It was actually the Uruguayan soccer players who were the first to take a “victory lap,” and that’s exactly what Pope Leo XIV did there this afternoon, driving around the field in a popemobile.
And that is why references to sports were present from the very beginning.
CARDINAL DANIEL STURLA; Archbishop of Montevideo
Soccer is very important in our culture: we talk about life using soccer terminology, and that's why we can say that having the Pope among us is a real goal.
In addition to artistic performances, the event featured testimonials such as that of Giovanni, who spoke about his recent baptism and asked for advice on how to live out his faith when no one around him does.
The Gutiérrez Hernández family also used soccer terminology to pose their question to the pope:
THE GUTIÉRREZ HERNÁNDEZ FAMILY
Today, here at Centenario Stadium, we ask you in soccer terms: In the game of our lives, how can we “stop the ball,” lift our gaze, learn to live each moment as a gift from God, and “give it our all” for our family?
In Uruguay, only 9% of the population considers itself to be practicing Catholicism, and although that may seem like a negative thing, Pope Leo XIV encouraged people to see it as an advantage
POPE LEO XIV
For this reason, your experience can help brothers and sisters in other parts of the world who are beginning to discover, in different ways, what it means to be a minority.
He also encouraged us to look up, and without being condescending, called on us to aim for the highest goals.
POPE LEO XIV
Young people, dare to take the step of marrying and starting a family yourselves. Do not be afraid of “forever”! Married couples, open your home to life, even when the world tells you that a child is a burden. If any of you feel that Christ is calling you to leave everything behind to follow him in the priesthood or in consecrated life, do not ignore that voice out of fear of missing out on other opportunities.
He also spoke about joy, about being witnesses, and about bringing Jesus' message to everyone.
POPE LEO XIV
Be saints! Do not settle for a merely decent life or for a habitual faith, content with doing only the essential. Do not give God only a part of yourselves— give yourselves completely!
The evening ended on a joyful note, one that has been resonating most these days in Latin America’s southernmost capital.
