As the Catholic world continues to get to know newly elected Pope Leo XIV, there’s growing excitement across Latin America — especially in Uruguay — about what could be his first big international trip as pontiff.
And yes, his itinerary might just include Argentina, Uruguay, and possibly even Peru.
A Visit That Feels Personal for the Region
Uruguayan Cardinal Daniel Sturla, who played a part in the recent conclave, opened up in a May 21 interview with Radio Carve about the possibility of a papal visit.
He seemed pretty optimistic. According to Sturla, there’s a “very high” chance Pope Leo will head to Uruguay, especially since the country, along with neighboring Argentina, didn’t make it onto Pope Francis’ travel list — not intentionally, but more due to how plans unfolded.
This time around, it looks like Pope Leo wants to bridge that gap.
“It seems likely that Argentina, Uruguay, and perhaps even Peru could be part of his first visit to Latin America,” the cardinal said.
He noted that Peru might make the cut thanks to the pope’s past work there — he once served as bishop of Chiclayo and later as apostolic administrator of Callao.
A New Leader With a Quiet Strength
Cardinal Sturla also reflected on Pope Leo XIV’s leadership style, describing him as someone who values unity above all.
“He seeks the unity of the Church,” Sturla emphasized, adding that the new pope seems keen to continue many of Pope Francis’ positive and progressive paths — just in his own way.
Unlike his predecessor, Pope Leo isn’t one to talk too much.
“He listens more than he speaks,” said Sturla, pointing out that the new pontiff is careful with his words, taking his time to think before speaking.
It’s a noticeable contrast to Francis’ more open and charismatic demeanor — and, according to Sturla, it’s exactly what the Church needs right now.
The Weight of Choosing a Pope
In one of the more personal parts of the interview, Cardinal Sturla shared how surreal it was to be inside the conclave — a place he had only dreamed of witnessing from St. Peter’s Square.
“It’s something I thought about a lot throughout my life as a Christian and a priest,” he said.
But being on the inside? That was a whole different experience.
He described feeling the incredible weight of responsibility as he cast his vote in the historic decision.
“It links the present life of the Church directly with what Jesus did with Simon Peter 2,000 years ago,” Sturla said.
He even reflected on the pivotal moment when Cardinal Robert Prevost accepted the papacy — in that instant, he became the successor of Peter.
For Sturla, witnessing that transformation firsthand was deeply moving and spiritually powerful.