By Zoila Palma: Pope Leo has condemned the growing violence affecting children in Uruguay, calling for greater protection of vulnerable communities during a visit to one of the country’s most crime-affected neighborhoods.
The pontiff made the remarks on Saturday while visiting Casavalle in Montevideo, on the second day of his 12-day South American tour.
During his visit, residents shared personal accounts of gun violence, abuse and insecurity in the community, where the murder rate is reportedly four times the national average.
Pope Leo expressed concern over children being exposed to violence and unable to attend school because of fears for their safety. “There are children in Uruguay who do not go to school for fear of never returning home,” he said.
The Pope also blessed 12 newly constructed low-income houses financed by the Catholic Church and met with residents who welcomed him with cheers and applause, AFP reports.
Later, during a candlelit prayer vigil at Montevideo’s Centenario Stadium, which drew approximately 60,000 people, he encouraged young people to embrace marriage and family life. “Young people, dare to take the step of marrying and starting a family yourselves. Don’t be afraid of ‘forever’!” he told the crowd.
During another engagement at the Catholic University of Uruguay, Pope Leo warned about the potential dehumanizing effects of artificial intelligence in education, urging schools and universities to put human dignity ahead of technology.
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By Zoila Palma: Pope Leo has condemned the growing violence affecting children in Uruguay, calling for greater protection of vulnerable communities during a visit to one of the country’s most crime-affected neighborhoods. The pontiff made the remarks on Saturday while visiting Casavalle in Montevideo, on the second day of his 12-day South American tour. During
The post International News: Pope Leo condemns drug violence against children during visit to Uruguay appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
