Pope Leo XIV has offered a sharp critique of the austerity measures implemented by Argentine president Javier Milei, emphasizing that economic growth must serve the population rather than the other way around. The pontiff made these remarks on Sunday in Buenos Aires, where his speech was greeted with enthusiastic applause. This visit marks the second leg of his broader tour of Latin America.
In his address, the pope highlighted the difficulties faced by individuals who work hard yet still struggle to meet their families' basic needs. He spoke in defense of the poor, pensioners, and those affected by illness, dependency, and disability. This focus served as a subtle but clear reference to the government's controversial reductions in disability assistance programs.
Leo also directed advice toward President Milei, who is known for his blunt and often profane public speaking style. The pope stated that strengthening democracy requires a willingness to listen and the careful use of words. At 71 years old, Leo is currently on an ambitious 12 day tour of the continent, undertaken just three weeks after he underwent surgery for lung cancer.
This is the first papal visit to Argentina in nearly four decades. Argentines are hoping that the leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics can help heal the deep divisions within the country that have emerged over the three years of Milei's austerity rule. The visit is particularly symbolic as Argentina is the homeland of the late Pope Francis, whom Milei had famously insulted for his pro poor teachings.
Leo noted that he is retracing the steps of his predecessor. Hundreds of people, including Liliana Deblauwe, a 68 year old retired teacher, gathered to see the pope visit a monument to liberation hero Jose de San Martin. Deblauwe expressed hope that the pope would unite the country in a similar manner to the World Cup. Another group of hundreds chanted the pope's name outside the presidential palace, where Milei hosted him.
The visit has drawn significant crowds, such as Brian Inacio Rodriguez, a 26 year old job seeker who traveled overland for five days from Ushuaia, the southern tip of South America, to see the pontiff. Rodriguez expressed his wish for the pope to bring much peace to Argentina. The pope arrived in Buenos Aires from Uruguay, where he began his first trip to the region as pope, condemning drug violence and urging an end to child poverty.
In Buenos Aires, Leo stressed the importance of personal integrity in public office, warning that corruption undermines citizens' confidence in their institutions. The Argentine stage of the trip aims to boost the flagging faith of a nation that was disappointed by Francis's failure to visit during his own papacy. It also serves as a test of support for the church, with a recent poll showing that 57.7% of people identify as Catholic, a significant drop from about 90% in the 1960s.
Milei came to office promising to revive the ailing economy and tame runaway inflation by shrinking the welfare state, which has led to a poverty rate that reached 32.3% in September. While his relationship with Leo has been cordial so far, the local Catholic church has criticized him for treating social services as a mere budgetary constraint. The pope will visit a home for disabled people and a prison, and celebrate three open air masses, with the church expecting seven million attendees.
Milei, a close ally of US president Donald Trump, maintains a loyal supporter base for his efforts to reduce inflation, despite criticism for restricting democratic freedoms such as the right to protest. His relationship with the late Francis was tense, with the economist calling his countryman an imbecile on the campaign trail, though he softened his tone after taking office.
