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Pope Leo XIV Begins South America Trip Defending Unborn Life
Confirmed
In Short: Pope Leo XIV began his first visit to South America with a call to protect life from its beginning in the womb until its natural end, emphasizing the dignity and protection due to the unborn.
Pope Leo begins 12-day trip to South America. NBC News
During his address to Uruguayan authorities and the diplomatic corps in Montevideo, the Pope highlighted the importance of universal healthcare, drawing from his recent experience with lung cancer surgery.
The Pope praised Uruguay's progress in clean energy but also denounced human rights abuses, underscoring his commitment to comprehensive social and ethical issues.
Pope Leo XIV noted that the dignity of individuals should not be measured by their ability to contribute, but rather by their inherent worth as members of society.
The Pope's speech also addressed the issue of euthanasia, which was approved in Uruguay last year, reinforcing his stance against practices that undermine the sanctity of life.
He emphasized that the protection of the unborn and the support of those who welcome them are inseparable, advocating for a society that values all members equally.
Background
The Vatican confirmed Tuesday that Pope Leo XIV's trip to Latin America will proceed as planned, despite his recent lung surgery.
Pope Leo XIV has undergone successful surgery to remove a localized nodule from his lung, clearing a health hurdle for his upcoming trip to Latin America.
What's confirmed
- The pope referred to his recent surgery for lung cancer, less than a month before his trip to South America, in his call for universal healthcare.
- MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay — Pope Leo XIV on Friday opened his first visit to South America as pope with a call to protect life from its beginning in the womb until its natural end and to guarantee healthcare for all members of society.
What's still developing
- Alluding to his October 13 surgery to remove a cancerous nodule in his lung, the Pope said: "Recently I experienced firsthand the limitations imposed by illness and I received care for which I am deeply grateful. That experience makes me think of the many men and women who lack the means to obtain a timely diagnosis or receive the treatments they need. Ensuring that health care is accessible to everyone, regardless of their resources, is a duty that confronts every society."
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- After a flight of more than 13 hours, Pope Leo XIV kicked off his 12-day tour of South America with a busy evening schedule, even as Rome readied for bed.
- The Pope focused on some of the figures depicted in the bronze frieze at the base of the statue.
Sources
- EWTN Newslink
- EWTN Vaticanlink
- aleteia.orglink
- WarpBeat — background on Pope Leo XIV Confirms Latin America Trip After Lung Surgery link
- WarpBeat — background on Pope Leo XIV Clears Health Hurdle for Latin America Trip link
- NBC News — video link
- CBS Evening News — video link
- DRM News — video link
- Reuters — video link
- Reuters — video link
- ABC News — video link