On his first visit to Argentina in nearly four decades, Pope Leo XIV challenged President Javier Milei's harsh economic policies, insisting that national growth means little if working families and pensioners are left behind. Speaking to a cheering crowd in Buenos Aires shortly after arriving on a Latin American tour, the 71-year-old pontiff delivered a direct critique of the government's spending cuts. "The economy must be at the service of the people, rather than people being at the service of the economy," he said.
Pope Leo defended society's most vulnerable citizens, drawing attention to households that struggle to meet daily needs despite hard work. He specifically called for protection for those affected by illness, dependency, and disability—a pointed reference to Milei's controversial reductions in disability assistance. Addressing the president at the presidential palace, the pope also urged the combative leader to strengthen democracy through a "willingness to listen" and the "careful use of words."
President Milei took office promising to revive the economy and curb runaway inflation by drastically shrinking the state, targeting funds for public hospitals, universities, and pensions. While his supporters credit his aggressive measures with significantly lowering inflation, the country remains sharply divided, and the poverty rate climbed to 32.3 percent in September. Relations between the government and the Catholic Church have often been strained; Milei previously insulted the late Argentine-born Pope Francis for defending social justice, though his interactions with Leo have remained cordial.
For many Argentines, the visit offered a rare moment of hope in a polarized nation. Crowds gathered across the capital, including job seekers who traveled across the country and pensioners eager for reconciliation. "Just like the World Cup unites us, hopefully the pope will too," said Liliana Deblauwe, a 68-year-old retired teacher who waited among hundreds of spectators in Buenos Aires.