Pope Leo led an outdoor event on Saturday in Paysandu, Uruguay, calling on South American nations to work together amid political divisions in the region. The first U.S.-born pope drew crowds that waited overnight in heavy rain to see him on the Uruguay-Argentina border during his 12-day tour.

Leo, 71, traveled about 378 kilometers from Montevideo to the riverside city for the gathering. He urged governments to tackle shared issues collectively and set an example of international cooperation. The Vatican described the trip as a homecoming for the pontiff, who served as a missionary in Peru for decades and holds Peruvian citizenship.

The three-country tour began Friday when Leo arrived in Uruguay. He met with government officials and delivered his first address of the journey, stressing the need for regional collaboration. The itinerary includes stops in 10 cities across Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru through November 17. Leo is scheduled to give 36 speeches and participate in dozens of events despite recovering from lung cancer surgery performed in October.

Uruguay marks the first stop, with the pope visiting Montevideo, Paysandu, and Florida. It is the first papal visit to the country since St. John Paul II traveled there in 1988. Local organizers reported strong turnout despite the weather, with families and pilgrims gathering from across the border areas. On Sunday, Leo heads to Argentina, where he will meet President Javier Milei, a libertarian aligned with U.S. President Donald Trump. The two leaders are expected to discuss economic and regional matters.

The Argentina portion runs through November 11 and includes large Masses in Buenos Aires and Cordoba. Security preparations are underway in major cities for the expected crowds. Leo then travels to Peru for the longest leg of the journey, returning to areas where he previously served as bishop. Crowds in the millions are anticipated across the tour, reflecting strong Catholic traditions in the region.

Vatican officials confirmed the pope has fully recovered from his recent surgery and requires no special precautions. The demanding schedule involves multiple flights and a helicopter trip to high-altitude sites in Peru. Observers note the tour comes at a time of shifting political dynamics in South America, with several nations exploring closer ties to market-oriented policies similar to those championed by Milei and Trump.

The pontiff's messages have emphasized practical cooperation on issues like trade, security, and migration. In Uruguay, Leo highlighted the value of cross-border dialogue in his opening remarks. Supporters in the crowds expressed enthusiasm for his emphasis on unity without ideological overreach.