Pope Leo XIV Criticizes Abortion and Euthanasia During Visit to Uruguay

Pope Leo XIV criticized abortion and euthanasia on the first day of his visit to Uruguay, where both practices are legal. He defended the protection of life, including life developing in the womb, and said no one should feel cut off from their community or believe their absence matters more than their presence. His remarks on euthanasia came as the country had recently legalized the practice. Abortion has been legal and regulated in Uruguay since 2012.

Leo began his South American trip in Uruguay, described in the report as the region’s most secular country. About one in 10 Uruguayans is Catholic. President Yamandú Orsi welcomed the pope at a ceremony attended by Lucía Topolansky, the widow of José “Pepe” Mujica, and former presidents Luis Lacalle Herrera, Luis Lacalle Pou and Julio María Sanguinetti. Leo is also scheduled to visit Argentina and Peru.

The pope also addressed environmental protection and the responsibility to preserve resources for future generations. Referring to his predecessor, Pope Francis, Leo said the idea of the common good extends beyond the present and that this responsibility should shape decisions about natural resources and energy sources.

In his speech, Leo pointed to agreements as a way to resolve differences and cited Mercosur as a positive example. Uruguay is part of the trade bloc alongside Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. He also said that people from different backgrounds and traditions living together is part of Uruguay’s history.

Leo greeted Uruguayans on social media, saying he was glad to visit places across the country, learn about its history and meet people from different walks of life. During the day, he traveled through Montevideo in the popemobile and delivered a homily at the city’s Metropolitan Cathedral. He and Orsi exchanged gifts: Leo gave the president prints of St. Peter’s Square and a medal, while Orsi presented the pope with a saddle and a saddle blanket made by Uruguayan artisans.