Pope Leo XIV received Uruguay’s bishops on September 18, seven weeks before his scheduled apostolic journey there.
The bishops, who were in Rome for their ad limina visit, discussed with the Pontiff the challenges facing the Church in Uruguay, including secularism, family life, the defense of human life, drug trafficking, and violence. Two Uruguayan prelates interviewed by Vatican News described the audience as particularly warm.
Located in South America, the nation of 3.4 million is 82% Christian (49% Catholic).