Leo XIV has arrived in Uruguay, beginning his first visit to Latin America as pontiff, Uruguayan daily La Diaria reported.
The papal plane landed at Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo at 4.30 pm local time (1930GMT) after departing Rome earlier on Friday, according to Uruguay's Foreign Ministry.
The pontiff was welcomed by national authorities before travelling toward Plaza Independencia, where he attended an official welcome ceremony with President Yamandu Orsi and senior officials.
"In an age when differences can easily become a source of conflict, persevering in respect for the law, negotiation and the patient search for agreements is a service that Uruguay can continue to offer its neighbours," Leo said, addressing crowds in Montevideo's main square.
He later met officials and members of civil society and the diplomatic corps before holding talks with Orsi at the Jose Artigas Building.
Leo also visited the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Saints Philip and James, where he was scheduled to celebrate Vespers with members of the Catholic clergy and religious community.
First visit in decades
The three-day visit to Uruguay, scheduled to last through Sunday, is the first stop on a 12-day apostolic journey that will also take Leo to Argentina and Peru. It is his sixth international trip since becoming pope, and comes just weeks after successful lung surgery last month.
Uruguay has not received a papal visit since 1988, when Pope John Paul II travelled to the country. It is considered one of Latin America's most secular societies, with a longstanding separation between church and state.
During his stay, Leo is scheduled to travel to Paysandu to celebrate Mass. He will also visit the Casavalle neighbourhood on the outskirts of the capital, Montevideo, and attend a prayer vigil at the Centenario Stadium.
The pope is due to celebrate Mass in the city of Florida on Sunday before departing for Buenos Aires, Argentina, the second stop on his South American tour.
He will then travel to Peru, visiting Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco, and Pucallpa before returning to Rome on November 17.
