46% of Montevideo homicides occurred in Borro ahead of Pope Leo XIV visit

More than 46% of the 98 homicides registered in Montevideo up to September took place in Borro and its surrounding neighborhoods. The figure represents a 13.5% increase over the same period last year. The area is preparing to host Pope Leo XIV on Nov. 6, the first stop of his 11-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.

Borro is a working-class district on the north side of the capital characterized by dirt roads and poor housing. The neighborhood has become a focal point for drug trafficking, leading to frequent territorial clashes. The government deployed armored vehicles to patrol the area. These vehicles were originally donated by the United States for U.N. peacekeeping missions.

Rev. Pablo Coimbra, the head of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, described the daily reality for residents. He stated that families learn to move indoors when gunfire starts. He noted that residents often throw themselves to the ground because stray bullets from machine-gun bursts can land anywhere.

The parish serves as a central hub for social support in the community. It builds homes, promotes job creation, and assists addicts in recovery. Neighbors bring wounded individuals to the church because ambulances typically stop at the church grounds. Coimbra said gangs previously used gunpoint to expel families from their homes to set up drug dens, forcing displaced residents to seek shelter in the parish.

A concrete road has been constructed through the area to facilitate the papal visit. This new infrastructure cuts through the previously muddy terrain near a local stream. The road leads to a soccer field restored by the parish. Young player Lautaro Martínez practices on the field, though training has been suspended recently as a precaution following new shootings.

The church is currently leading a social housing project. Residents are constructing more than 100 units equipped with sanitation systems. This effort generates local employment while addressing the area's housing shortage. Coimbra stated that the church's presence helps determine whether residents continue studying or fall into drug use.

On Mondays, the parish holds a Mass for homeless people. Dozens of attendees travel from across the city to participate. Coimbra said visitors come for the bathroom and two meals, but primarily to be heard. Many attendees cross their arms over their chests during Holy Communion to indicate they have not been baptized. Church data shows only 2,200 of 30,000 newborns in Uruguay were baptized in 2025.

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

Archbishop Daniel Sturla of Montevideo said Borro has the strongest Catholic presence in Uruguay. He toured the neighborhood with The Associated Press the day after receiving a Vatican delegation. Sturla emphasized the unique role of the faith community in the district.

Pope Leo XIV confirmed his itinerary despite a recent cancer diagnosis. The visit begins on Nov. 6 in Montevideo. The Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish will serve as the primary site for the pontiff's activities in the neighborhood.

Coimbra noted that young people in Borro often lack access to clubs, English classes, or rugby. He said this idleness creates an environment where crime can take root. The parish aims to intervene by providing structure and opportunity. The next scheduled event is the papal arrival on Nov. 6.