Pope Leo begins South America 'homecoming' tour with appeal for regional unity

Detailed summary

MONTEVIDEO - Pope Leo urged South American countries to tackle regional issues together on Friday as he began a 12-day trip expected to draw millions across a Catholic stronghold…

MONTEVIDEO - Pope Leo urged South American countries to tackle regional issues together on Friday as he began a 12-day trip expected to draw millions across a Catholic stronghold region facing sharp political divisions.

The pontiff arrived in Uruguay, one of Latin America's more stable democracies, for the first stop of a tour that will also take him to Argentina and Peru, in one of the most demanding overseas trips by a Catholic leader in decades.

Pope Leo was greeted by President Yamandu Orsi and two children bearing flowers after landing at Montevideo's Carrasco airport under partly cloudy skies. Later, addressing crowds the Vatican estimated numbered at least 30,000 people in Independence Square, he urged South American countries to set an example of international cooperation.

"In an age when differences can easily become a source of conflict, persevering in respect for the law…

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