Pope Leo XIV urges marriage, children and service in Uruguay

At a Montevideo prayer vigil, the pontiff links lifelong commitments with a call to put faith into practice.

Channel: EL PAÍS ·

SpainStory of November 9, 2026Trari Newsroom

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El papa LEÓN XIV pide a los jóvenes CASARSE y TENER HIJOS en Uruguay #shorts

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Pope Leo XIV urged young people gathered in Montevideo to marry and form families, while asking married couples to welcome children and not fear a lifelong commitment.

The excerpt published by Spain's EL PAÍS shows the pontiff addressing a crowded Centenario Stadium at a prayer vigil dated November 7. The newspaper reports that around 60,000 people attended, and places his appeal against a backdrop of declining religious influence in Uruguay, which it describes as South America's most secular country.

Leo's message extends beyond marriage. He says young believers' example can awaken an interest in God among people distant from the Church. He also encourages those who feel called to religious life not to dismiss that vocation out of fear of losing other opportunities.

In the closing passage, he turns from major life decisions to everyday conduct: accept the cost of being just and honest, forgive even when it feels like defeat, and give up personal comfort to help others. The appeal to marry and have children is part of that wider argument for commitments that demand something of the person making them.

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