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Pope Leo XIV’s Visit to Uruguay: “A Great Joy” and a Renewed Call to Mission
Father Sebastián Pinazzo tells Press Crux why Uruguayans feel especially blessed to welcome Pope Leo XIV on his first visit to Latin America — and how this historic encounter could inspire a renewed commitment to evangelization.
INTERVIEW | CHURCH IN URUGUAY
Ana Paula Morales (Poli)
11/8/20262 min read
Photo caption: Father Sebastián Pinazzo, pastoral vicar of the Archdiocese of Montevideo, smiles during an encounter with Pope Leo XIV. Photo courtesy of Father Sebastián Pinazzo.
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay — “A great joy, a great joy!” Father Sebastián Pinazzo repeats the words as he describes what it means for Uruguay to welcome Pope Leo XIV.
His enthusiasm reflects the excitement of a nation that feels especially blessed to be the first country on the Pope’s journey through Latin America — and the place where he celebrates the first Mass of this historic visit.
But for the pastoral vicar of the Archdiocese of Montevideo, the significance of the papal visit goes far beyond the excitement of welcoming the successor of Peter.
It is also an invitation to rediscover the joy of the Gospel and share it with renewed missionary enthusiasm.
“For the Uruguayan people, as the motto of the visit says, it is a great joy,” Father Pinazzo told Press Crux.
The joy of being chosen
For Catholics in Uruguay, Pope Leo XIV's decision to begin his Latin American journey in their country carries particular meaning.
Father Pinazzo believes the visit offers an opportunity not only to celebrate the Pope's presence but also to strengthen the faith and spiritual life of local communities.
“It is therefore a reason for joy, but also something that inspires and challenges us,” he said.
The priest approaches these days with hope, looking beyond the celebrations to the lasting spiritual fruits the visit might bring.
The Pope's presence, he explained, encourages Catholics to rediscover their missionary calling and reflect on how they can bring the Gospel to more people.
A message of joy and human dignity
“The Holy Father's message is always the message of the Gospel,” Father Pinazzo emphasized.
He hopes that message will resonate throughout the papal visit: a proclamation of joy rooted in truth and in the recognition of the dignity of every human life.
At the heart of that message is a conviction the priest wants everyone to hear: each person is a beloved child of God.
From this perspective, Pope Leo XIV's visit becomes an opportunity to listen once again to the Good News and rediscover the joy it offers.
A mission that begins with welcoming the Pope
For Father Pinazzo, the excitement surrounding Pope Leo XIV's arrival marks the beginning of something greater.
The encounter with the successor of Peter calls Catholic communities to renew their missionary vocation and embrace the responsibility of sharing their faith.
“We welcome him as a mission from the Lord, an invitation to renew our evangelizing spirit,” he said.
Beyond the celebrations and the excitement of the papal visit, that may ultimately be its most lasting legacy: a Church encouraged to move forward with renewed faith, hope, and missionary zeal.
