Pope, in Uruguay, calls for prayer, fasting for vocations

November 07, 2026

Pope Leo XIV concluded the first day of his apostolic journey to three South American nations (program) with the celebration of Vespers (video) in the Metropolitan Cathedral in Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital.

“Dear brothers and sisters, one of the secrets of evangelization is to resemble the One whom we proclaim,” Pope Leo preached to the assembled clergy, religious, and seminarians on November 6. “In this land, where many of our contemporaries barely know Jesus Christ and so many young people have grown up far from the life of the Church, that witness has a special power.”

“May the way we look at others, the way we listen or the way we reach out to those who suffer prompt them to ask about the origins of that love,” he continued. “When we speak to them of Jesus, may they discover the very Lord whose goodness they have begun to experience through us, despite our own poverty.”

The Pontiff recalled that in 2024, when there were no new vocations to the interdiocesan seminary, “many of the faithful began to come together for days of prayer and fasting to ask the Lord to send workers into his harvest (cf. Mt 9:38). Since then, they have persevered in their efforts in order that others might hear his call. Today we give thanks because several young people who are seated among us have begun their journey in the seminary and in consecrated life.”

“I hope that this experience in Uruguay will echo throughout the entire Church,” he added. “From this Cathedral in Montevideo, I invite my brother bishops throughout the world to promote days of prayer and fasting in their dioceses for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and to consecrated life. May parishes, families and religious communities unite in this prayer. May the example of this land inspire many others to pray with the same confidence.”

After Vespers, Pope Leo went to the apostolic nunciature, where he spent the night. He offered extemporaneous remarks to the young people who were singing to him:

Thank you very much for the warm welcome. I can see that Uruguay is a country of young people who have faith. Very well, it is a pleasure to greet you all; I hope to see you again in the coming days.

The Nuncio says he wants to sleep, but sing as long as you like! Well, maybe not quite that long, because the neighbors will want to sleep, too. But thank you very much. Thank you for your enthusiasm; thank you for being here.

May God bless you all! And may the blessing of God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, come down on you and remain with you forever.

 

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Further information:

• Apostolic Journey to Uruguay: Celebration of Vespers with the Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Men and Women Religious, and Seminarians (Dicastery for Communication - Vatican Media, 11/6/26)
• Celebration of Vespers with Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Men and Women Religious, and Seminarians in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Saints Philip and James (Holy See Press Office, 11/6/26
• Pope Leo urges Catholics to pray and fast for vocations (Vatican News, 11/7/26)