From LA NACION · LA NACION · · 1m 30s
Pope Leo XIV pulls hand away from ex-president's kiss
Luis Lacalle Herrera attempted to kiss Pope Leo XIV's ring during a reception in Montevideo on Friday, but the pontiff withdrew his hand.
In brief
Luis Lacalle Herrera attempted to kiss Pope Leo XIV's ring during a reception in Montevideo on Friday, but the pontiff withdrew his hand. Pope Leo XIV avoided Luis Lacalle Herrera's attempt to kiss his ring at a Montevideo reception on Friday, an awkward moment that went viral on social media. Originally reported by…
Ex-president attempts papal ring kiss
Luis Lacalle Herrera, former president of Uruguay, tried to kiss Pope Leo XIV's ring during a reception at plaza Independencia in Montevideo on Friday.
Pope withdraws hand twice
The pontiff pulled his hand away when Lacalle Herrera leaned in to kiss the ring. The ex-president tried again for several seconds before the Pope avoided it once more.
Moment goes viral on social media
The exchange was recorded during the live broadcast and quickly spread across social networks. Both men eventually shook hands while looking each other in the eye.
Pope addresses thirty thousand in plaza
Pope Leo XIV and President Yamandú Orsi spoke to approximately thirty thousand people gathered at plaza Independencia. The Pope arrived by popemobile after traveling along the rambla.
Pope links lung surgery to healthcare access
Leo XIV connected his recent lung operation to difficulties many people face accessing diagnosis and treatment. He called for guaranteeing medical care regardless of economic resources.
“Procurar que la atención sanitaria esté al alcance de cada persona, independientemente de sus recursos, es una responsabilidad que interpela a toda sociedad”
Pope defends secular state and religious freedom
The pontiff defended state neutrality while arguing that believers and non-believers should coexist freely. He stressed dialogue and negotiation to prevent differences from becoming conflict.
The takeaway
Pope Leo XIV avoided Luis Lacalle Herrera's attempt to kiss his ring at a Montevideo reception on Friday, an awkward moment that went viral on social media.
