Pope Leo urges universal health care
The gist
Pope Leo XIV urged universal health care "in every society" in his first speech in Uruguay.
The appeal came weeks after his own lung cancer surgery, sharpening its weight.
How it unfolded
- Mar 18, 2026Pope Leo called universal health care a "moral imperative" for countries to provide their citizens.
- Nov 6, 2026Leo landed in Montevideo at 4:17 p.m. local time, opening his apostolic journey to South America.
- Nov 6, 2026In his first address in Uruguay, from a platform in Independence Square, he called for universal health care "in every society" and said he had recently experienced illness firsthand, referencing his lung cancer surgery.
Key terms
- Holy See
- The central governing body of the Catholic Church and Vatican City, encompassing the office of the pope.
- euthanasia
- The practice of intentionally ending a life to eliminate pain and suffering.
Source: Wikipedia