Bishops visit Rome before papal trip

Uruguay's bishops are in Rome for their ad limina visit, meeting with Vatican offices ahead of Pope Leo XIV's November 6-8 journey to their country.

Evangelizing a secularized society

Bishop Alfonso Bauer says the main concern is how to evangelize and proclaim Christ in different situations across Uruguay.

“How can we evangelize and proclaim Christ in the different situations we encounter?”

Latin America's most secular nation

Bishop Arturo Fajardo calls Uruguay the most secularized country in Latin America, describing it as a small experimental laboratory for the Church.

Three key challenges identified

The bishops point to evangelization, increasing vocations, and giving new impetus to their work as the principal challenges facing the Church.

Listening comes first

Bishop Bauer, newly appointed to Florida, says listening to the Lord and to people is the key aspect of his episcopal ministry.

“Listening is the first element to be taken into account.”

No ready-made formulas

Meetings with Vatican institutions provide insights and guidance, but not ready-made formulas for each local Church's concrete circumstances.

Questions about life's meaning

Bishop Fajardo believes the decline of ideologies and questions about existence can open new possibilities for evangelization in Uruguay.

“I believe that the question of the meaning of life is one of the great challenges.”

Popular piety still matters

Marian devotions and expressions of faith found across Uruguay should be valued, promoted, and accompanied by formation, says Bishop Fajardo.

Spiritual preparation underway

The Diocese of Salto is preparing both logistically and spiritually for the Pope's visit, focusing on being confirmed in the faith.

Our Lady brings the Pope

Bishop Bauer says Our Lady of the Thirty-Three, Uruguay's patroness, is bringing Pope Leo XIV to the country in November.

“Our Lady of the Thirty-Three is bringing the Pope here.”

Mary leads to new liberation

The devotion once linked to past liberation struggles now concerns freedom, life's meaning, work, and human dignity, says Bishop Bauer.

“Mary is present in these realities, accompanies us and always leads us to Jesus.”

From Rome back to mission

After celebrating Mass at Rome's major basilicas, the bishops will return to Uruguay to renew Christian commitment and prepare hearts for the papal visit.