Uruguay, with its strong democratic tradition, is one of the most secularised countries in Latin America. Yet, behind the decline in religious practice, a widespread Church that is close to the people continues to thrive, present in the urban peripheries, in education, in social advancement and in supporting families. It was in this context that Pope Leo XIV came for a short but intense trip.<br/>Maria Florencia Decarlini, a Focolarina in Montevideo, told us, “The percentage of Catholics in Uruguay is very low, yet the Pope’s visit aroused extraordinary interest, even among people who do not profess the Catholic faith and who do not attend Church.”
From the moment of his arrival, the Pope emphasised the importance of encounter and dialogue. Maria Florencia continued, “He engaged with the cultural roots of the Uruguayan people, highlighting their virtues and pointing out the areas where improvement and growth are needed. He understood the suffering that afflicts our society and our Church, offering us words of encouragement and consolation, making us feel that we are not alone, that his shepherd’s heart is with us.”
Mass in Paysandú: Building Bridges
One of the most significant moments was the celebration of Mass in Parque París Londres in Paysandú. Before thousands of worshippers, Leo XIV used the image of the bridge that connects the two banks of the Uruguay River, turning it into a metaphor for the Christian vocation.
He said, “…it is so important to be builders of bridges! This is the vocation to which we are all called: to build bridges, strengthen bonds, unite, communicate and share the joy of faith”. His appeal recalls the charism of unity which members of the Focolare try to live out daily in many areas of society. In the same homily, the Pontiff referred to “mate”, the traditional drink that is an iconic part of Uruguayan culture, “a sign of familiarity, friendship and encounter. It teaches us to share and to be together, strengthening the bonds that unite us as brothers and sisters.” The Focolare community in Paysandú said, “The Pope’s visit to Paysandú exceeded all our expectations. It was very moving. The Mass was wonderful, very simple, very much our style”.
Waiting for the PopeMass in Paysandú“Nueva Vida”
In the Borro neighbourhood: the Church alongside the most marginalised
The visit to the Borro neighbourhood in the Casavalle area, one of Montevideo’s most socially disadvantaged areas, was particularly moving. Here, the Pope wanted to meet a Church that works quietly among vulnerable families, children and the elderly, through schools, educational centres and charitable initiatives.
The choice of this stop highlighted an essential dimension of the Church’s mission: to stand alongside those who live in situations of poverty and marginalisation. Here too, the work of many ecclesial organisations, including the Focolare Movement through the “Nueva Vida” project, which offers after-school care to children and teenagers, is part of the social fabric, promoting relationships of reciprocity and solidarity, helping to rebuild bonds that are often damaged by exclusion.
The Vigil at the Estadio Centenario: a People on a Journey
On the evening of 7th November, thousands of people gathered in the historic Estadio Centenario for a huge prayer vigil, attended by sixty thousand people, one of the central events of the apostolic visit.
The meeting was a strong sign of communion for a Church that is geographically dispersed and a numerical minority. Young people, families, members of religious orders, ecclesial movements and representatives of the country’s various communities shared a moment of prayer and reflection, expressing their desire to play an active role in building a more united and fraternal society. The Pope said, “May Christ truly enter into what you do, what you love, what you choose, even into those parts of your life that no one sees. “Be saints!”
For many members of the Focolare Movement present, the vigil was also an opportunity to renew their commitment to building bonds of universal fraternity, helping to spread the “culture of encounter” repeatedly referred to by the Church’s Magisterium.
Ready to welcome Leo XIVVigil at the stadiumMass in Florida
Florida: Faith Nurtured by Families
The visit ended in Florida, at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Thirty-Three, the Patroness of Uruguay, a place deeply connected to the country’s religious roots and national history.
In his homily at the concluding Mass, Leo XIV addressed particularly heartfelt words to the women who have kept the faith alive in Uruguayan families. “Thank you for having believed and for having kept open a path to God in so many families,” he said, encouraging mothers and grandmothers never to tire of their educational and spiritual mission.
His words struck a particular chord in a country where many Christian communities continue to thrive thanks to the discreet and persevering witness of families.
A Seed for the Future
Pope Leo XIV’s visit left Uruguay with a simple yet challenging message: to build bridges, to care for the most vulnerable, to nurture faith in families and to strengthen fraternity among people.
Decarlini concluded, “I believe that all of us, whether we belong to the Catholic Church or not, have experienced his great closeness, drawn by the simplicity and strength of his personality. His appeal rings out powerfully: ‘Do not tire of passing on the faith’. “It is remarkable to see how his presence in these days has helped to strengthen those who were losing heart and to awaken in many people around us a desire for a life in God. It has also borne witness to the fact that unity is possible and that the Gospel can still generate bonds of communion and hope in our Uruguayan society”.
Carlos Mana, with the Southern Cone Communication Services Photos: Southern Cone Communications Services and stills from television broadcasts
The Mediterranean, “Mare nostrum”, or rather the sea we share, is a unique sea, almost enclosed, covering an area of approximately 3 million km² and linking three of the world’s five continents: Africa, Asia and Europe. By looking at it from a slightly different perspective, moving beyond conventional ways of seeing the region, we can imagine a continuous coastline embracing one shared sea. This is the vision conveyed, for example, in A Mediterranean without Borders, a work by artist and cartographer Sabine Réthoré. Her map highlights the relationships and connections between peoples, erasing national borders.
This very idea of a Mediterranean without borders inspired a dream that the conference “A Mediterranean without Borders, Peoples Connected in a Network for Fraternity”, which took place in Palermo from 7th -11th October 2026, sought to realize. This is the dream that Margaret Karram, President of the Focolare Movement, shared in 2023, during the Mediterranean Meetings in Marseille: “I dream of a Mediterranean of fraternity”.
There was great anticipation for this gathering that had been jointly conceived and organised over a period of one and a half years, by members of the Movement from several parts of the Mediterranean region: North Africa-Middle East, Eastern Europe, Western Europe and Italy-Albania. The result was a gathering of 101 people from: Spain, France, Austria, Northern Ireland, Malta, Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia, Serbia, Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, the Holy Land, Algeria and Morocco.
We arrived full of expectations and enthusiasm for this project of a united Mediterranean, even though we had no idea how we would manage to bring it to life. At the airport, there were smiles, shy greetings in other languages between people who had never met and slightly more relaxed interactions when a common language was discovered. We travelled by coach to the venue, in a mountainous area outside the city. We were looking forward to getting to know each other, to discover the contexts in which each of us is involved and to foster new forms of collaboration.
On Thursday morning, the proceedings began with a message from Margaret Karram, who was represented by the delegates from the various zones. Subsequently, a round table moderated by Michele Zanzucchi allowed us to explore the Mediterranean from different perspectives, with contributions from Daniele Spadaro, Pasquale Ferrara, Naji Karam and the author of this article.
A substantial part of the conference was built around experiences of fraternity lived in our local areas that each of us brought with us. Thirteen of these were presented in plenary sessions. The areas of action ranged from education to intercultural and international cooperation, interfaith dialogue, art, sport, welcoming newcomers, inclusion and social development.
We heard how, in Lebanon and in many other countries around the world, the “Living Peace Dice” helps children to change their outlook and behaviour, building peace in their daily lives. A similar experience was shared from Zagreb, Croatia, where a primary school bears witness to peace through a day dedicated to non-violence. Another example was the Zajedno association, where peace is built through cooperation between a school, a student residence and a hospital.
Some of the participants at the Conference, “A Mediterranean without Borders: Peoples Connected in a Network of Fraternity”. Photo: Mediterranean Network of Fraternity
We heard how Belfast, in Northern Ireland, has become a “City of Sanctuary”, promoting a culture of welcome and supporting refugees by offering them practical opportunities for genuine integration. Similarly, the experience of volunteering with migrants in Lampedusa was also shared. So too was the work of the Fo.Co. Cooperative in Ragusa, which has succeeded in generating economic and social benefits through the employment of young people and migrants, fostering relationships of fraternity and good neighbourliness, developing innovative housing solutions and providing additional services for the community, without falling into the trap of creating dependency on welfare.
There were also initiatives promoting intercultural and interfaith understanding, such as one in the Pisa area, which helped establish a participatory community pact based on reciprocity, fraternity and peaceful coexistence. This was made possible by renovating disused parish premises and putting them to new use.
Art demonstrated its versatility in contributing to the unity of peoples, with music travelling from Sarajevo to Beirut, dancing with the academic dance workshop Harmony Among Peoples or visiting an art gallery in the heart of Algeria. All these experiences seek to overcome the mistrust and wounds of the past by changing perspectives and creating new relationships.
Other activities focus on cooperation between countries. In Palestine, local artisans have been supported by selling their products in Italy. A Bridge to Lebanon and La Speranza OdV, help provide medical care for the Lebanese population by sending medicines. The La Pira Centre and the Mediterranean Youth Council, offer support to young people and aim to unite cities to build a united world.
During the event, participants attended a lecture entitled A Mediterranean without Borders, given by the Archbishop Corrado Lorefice, Archbishop of Palermo, Luciana Pepi, a Jewish academic and Imam Akraf Aluani.
From left, Imam Akraf Aluani, Bishop Corrado Lorefice and Professor Luciana Pepi during the “A Mediterranean Without Borders” conference, Palermo, 9th October 2024. Photo: Mediterranean Network of Fraternity
“The Mediterranean is home to different religions, cultures and languages, all called to aim towards a single goal: encounter and dialogue. Encounter is always under threat and dialogue is not always easy. But there is no other calling or vocation than this,” said the Archbishop, who warned that “there can be no processes of encounter if we are not able to look each other in the eye, because it is in the face of others that we recognise ourselves.”
For her part, Professor Pepi described how the three religions come together in Palermo and assured the audience that peaceful coexistence is possible, even if it means going against the tide.
Finally, Aluani stressed that “Palermo has never stopped hoping and giving hope for peace”. He highlighted the role of religions in achieving peace, seeing diversity as an opportunity for growth.
Testimonies of fraternity at the conference, “A Mediterranean without Borders: Peoples Connected in a Network of Fraternity”. Photo: Mediterranean Network of Fraternity
Alongside the formal presentations, the group work sessions, organised by subject area and language, were central. They enabled us to explore the various experiences in greater depth and to consider new synergies and opportunities for future collaboration. During breaks, too, conversations could be found everywhere, with people talking in pairs or small groups, listening attentively and with genuine interest.
Artistic performances were a key feature of the conference, bringing the rhythms and landscapes of the different Mediterranean peoples and traditions into the room.
At the end of the gathering, questions remained about how best to take forward the joint work and proposals that had been presented. Yet there was also a firm conviction that a laboratory of fraternity would grow from this experience. As some participants put it, “This experience has turned the paradigm upside down; this gathering is a turning point for Europe.” Those who took part sensed that something new was emerging, something that needs networks to become active and expand. They left with a hopeful conviction that a Mediterranean of peace will become a masterpiece.
Ahead of the 11th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation celebrated on 1st September, Pope Leo XIV has written a message entitled “They shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks” (Is 2,4).
It is a text to be read again and again and meditated on, starting from the title that takes up one of the most famous images of the Bible. Isaiah imagines that an object made for war is transformed into an agricultural tool. What was once used to destroy becomes a tool for producing and sustaining life. It is a beautiful image of peace and one that is closely connected to the present day. Today, fragile relationships and armed conflicts continue to destroy the environment and threaten the lives of millions of people.
Pope Leo highlights the deep link between peace, care for Creation and human dignity, inviting us to direct resources towards life and sustainability. The Pope writes. “But today, we too often witness the very opposite, as violence and war. War also leaves behind social and ecological destruction that endures for generations. Moreover, the interaction between armed conflicts and environmental degradation often creates a vicious cycle, which destroys ecosystems, contaminates essential resources, such as air and water, and undermines food security. This fuels poverty, inequality, and new social tensions that can contribute to the emergence of further conflicts.”
Creation is “nature”, everything that surrounds us! And human beings are not merely observers, but part of it. Isaiah’s hope therefore becomes for us today a call to “transform what is evil into life“. This conversion that cannot be separated from returning not only to our hearts, but to the One who heals them: the Lord. For where the individual is renewed, new possibilities open up.
The Pope says, “What has been used for destruction can be redirected towards life, towards the care of the poor, the nourishment of the hungry and the safeguarding of creation.. This is the path of an authentic ecological conversion, where the effects of our encounter with Jesus Christ become evident in our relationships with the world around us. Peace, then, begins in the heart and flows outwards to our relationships, communities and the broader world.”
Every year, 1st September also marks the beginning of the Season of Creation, the ecumenical journey of prayer and commitment to the care of our Common House which concludes on 4th October, the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. During this time, the Church, together with other Christian communities, is invited to renew its commitment to Creation, letting itself be guided by prayer, conversion and concrete gestures of care. This year’s theme, “Living Water,” explores Ezekiel 47:9 and 12 as a powerful biblical vision of hope and ecological healing. The image of living water flowing from God’s sanctuary symbolizes divine healing that regenerates.
The commitment of the Focolare communities around the world
The Season of Creation is also expressed through concrete actions. Among the many initiatives in different parts of the world, we highlight two from Latin America: Brazil and Uruguay.
In Brazil, the Decarbonize project is transforming schools into places where young people can learn about, understand and respond concretely to the environmental challenges of our time.
Students and teachers are involved in a programme of education on climate change, sustainability and environmental justice, developing not only knowledge, but also the ability to participate and take responsibility in their own communities.
The initiative grew out of the international “Decarbonize” program of the Global Education Centre, carried out in collaboration with the University of Alberta, Canada. The programme focuses on youth leadership, climate justice, the fight against environmental racism and political participation, in line with the 2030 Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals, the Earth Charterand human rights.
The young people do not simply listen or study: they carry out research, share what they have discovered and participate in public life.
The experience became even more meaningful when students had the opportunity to participate in institutional events such as COP conferences, the Brazilian National Congress and state legislative assemblies.
Decarbonize therefore shows that educating for sustainability also means giving young people a voice, the tools and confidence, to become active citizens and protagonists in caring for our common home.
In Uruguay, a few kilometers from Montevideo, the experience of the El Pelícano Mariapolis Centre offers a practical and engaging way to educate people about integral ecology. The centre, born out of the experience of the Focolare Movement, is surrounded by nature and offers children a space where the natural world becomes a place of learning and discovery. Through outdoor educational activities, children can come into contact with the environment, observing it, getting to know it and learning to respect it.
In 2022, thisexperience took a further step forward thanks to the project “El Pelícano: Centro de Recursos Ecologico para la Educación en la Infancia” (The Pelican: Ecological Resource Center for Early Childhood Education), supported through the New HumanitySeed FundingProgram.
The aim is to transform El Pelícano into a resource centre for the environmental education of children. Workshops, nature excursions, an organic vegetable garden and recycling activities become opportunities to learn through doing. A child who cultivates a vegetable garden, observes a plant, walks in the woods or learns to give new life to a waste material is not only acquiring a notion: they are building a relationship with nature.
And the experience doesn’t stop with the children. Through them, the project also aims to involve families, so that what is experienced and learned can continue in daily life.
The “El Pelicano” therefore offers us a valuable experience: ecology can be taught from early childhood through beauty, practical experience and participation, helping new generations to feel part of our Common Home and responsible for its care.
Yesterday I experienced one of those moments that are not easily forgotten with one of my colleagues. She is a young woman who has a disabled son and a violent ex-husband with whom she is currently involved in legal proceedings.
She works very hard and I thought of giving her a financial bonus because, with great dedication, she had completed a task that I had entrusted to her. Although given her situation, she sometimes has to be absent due to the court case involving her ex-husband or to some difficulties with her son she is always willing to work. When I gave her the bonus in cash, she burst into tears. Over the weekend money had been stolen from her at a cash machine so this helped to compensate for that loss and it was a greater sum than she had lost. It gave us an opportunity to talk about Providence, Then I remembered something I had heard at an Economy of Communion meeting, namely that “we must anticipate the needs of others”. This prompted me to give her an advance on her wages which, out of humility, she did not dare ask for. We are only stewards.
CK (Argentina) (da “Family News”)
Solidarity
I am an elderly priest collaborator in a parish in Milan, Italy. I also look after some people who are alone and in difficulty, helping them with donations that I receive.
Recently, one particular situation became more serious. I had already booked a place for a few days of summer holiday and I had set aside €140 for extra expenses. After a moment of prayer, I decided to give half of it to the person in need.
This morning, after Mass, an elderly man came up to me and gave me an envelope containing €150. Once again, I found that I was not alone in managing this solidarity.
PL (wrote to us from Milan, Italy)
Recognising one another
Some time ago I began to pay attention to those people whom few notice and whom no one even greets. One day, as I was running to catch the bus, I lost my wallet and went back to look for it. I found a street cleaner who had found it and was trying to track me down. Samuel refused to accept any reward and since then we have met many times to have a coffee.
Fatima is Moroccan, Muslim and works as a cleaner in a neighborhood restaurant. Over time she has told me many things about her family and her homeland. We have talked about beliefs, faith and respect and she demonstrates affection every time she sees me, because no one ever stops to talk “to the cleaner”.
Chaouki is a Tunisian cook who has worked in Italy and Germany, speaks many languages and is a very cultured person. He has taken over a restaurant called “Citizen of the World”: a real statement of respect and tolerance. I told him that I shared his way of thinking and that I was happy to share ideas and actions for a better world. One day I went there to have breakfast with some friends and their surprise was similar to mine in seeing people from various backgrounds who shared his outlook. It’s great to feel surrounded by good people who go about their lives without making a fuss.
