Over 46% of Montevideo Homicides Occur in Neighborhoods Targeted for Pope Leo's Visit

More than 46 percent of the 98 homicides recorded in Montevideo through September occurred in the Borro neighborhood and its surrounding areas. This statistic reflects a 13.5 percent increase in killings compared to the same period last year. The district is the destination for Pope Leo XIV's first stop on his November 6 to 17 tour of Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.

The pontiff confirmed his schedule despite a recent cancer diagnosis. He will visit the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, which operates as a social hub in a region marked by drug trafficking and territorial disputes. Local officials and clergy describe the area as a fragile refuge where residents seek safety from frequent gunfire.

Rev. Pablo Coimbra, who heads the parish, described the daily reality for families. He noted that residents often have to go inside at specific times and throw themselves to the ground during bursts of machine-gun fire. He explained that stray bullets land randomly, making outdoor activities like shopping or play hazardous for children.

Interior Minister Carlos Negro declared Uruguay had epidemic homicide rates in October 2025. He vowed to reduce the numbers, which stand at approximately 10 homicides per 100,000 people for the previous year. While this rate is low for the region, the concentration of violence in Borro has prompted the government to deploy armored vehicles for patrols. These vehicles were originally donated by the United States for U.N. peacekeeping missions.

Archbishop Daniel Sturla of Montevideo stated that no other location in the country has such a strong Catholic presence. He toured the neighborhood with reporters after receiving a Vatican delegation in preparation for the papal visit. The church has become a primary point of care for the injured, as neighbors bring wounded residents to the parish because ambulances typically do not travel further into the area.

The parish is addressing local conditions through social housing projects. Residents are currently building more than 100 housing units with sanitation systems. Coimbra said this construction effort generates local employment. He added that the church's presence creates a distinction between drug use and abstinence, as well as between continuing education and dropping out.

Young people often turn to faith to escape crime. The parish holds a Mass for homeless individuals every Monday, drawing dozens of attendees from across the city. Coimbra said these individuals come for meals and a bathroom, but primarily to be heard. Many receive Holy Communion with their arms crossed over their chests, indicating they have not been baptized. Church data shows that only 2,200 of the 30,000 newborns in Uruguay were baptized in 2025.

Pablo Acosta, 28, was born in the neighborhood and became involved in crime. He now works informally in local markets and sends money to his 10-year-old son, whom he does not see due to his addictions. Acosta has a gunshot wound in his stomach and stab wounds. He said he has been trying to quit using drugs for the past month.

The parish also maintains a soccer field that was recently restored. A young player named Lautaro Martinez practices there, though training has been suspended as a precaution after recent shootings. Coimbra said the church aims to provide opportunities for youth who lack access to clubs, English classes, or rugby. He noted that idleness is a major factor in youth entering crime, and the parish intervenes to fill that gap.