Pope Leo stings Milei over austerity during Argentina visit

Pope Leo XIV delivered a stinging critique of Argentine president Javier Milei’s harsh austerity measures during a speech in Buenos Aires on Sunday, shortly after landing for a Latin America tour. He insisted that “the economy must be at the service of the people, rather than people being at the service of the economy,” and defended the plight of those who, “despite hard work, nonetheless struggle to meet their household’s needs.” Leo also criticized cuts to disability assistance and urged Milei to strengthen democracy through a “willingness to listen” and the “careful use of words.”

The visit marks the first papal trip to Argentina in nearly four decades, coming just three weeks after Leo underwent surgery for lung cancer. Argentines are hoping he can help mend deep divisions between supporters and opponents of Milei, who took office promising to revive the economy by shrinking the welfare state and targeting public hospitals, universities, and pensioners. A recent University of Buenos Aires poll showed 57.7% of people identify as Catholic, down from about 90% in the 1960s, and the church expects 7 million attendees for the various events.

Milei, a close ally of US president Donald Trump, had a tense relationship with the late pope Francis, whom Milei famously insulted for his pro-poor teachings. However, his relationship with Leo has so far been cordial, though the local Catholic church heavily criticizes him for treating social services as a budgetary constraint. The Argentine stage of the visit aims to boost the flagging faith of a country left disappointed by Francis’s failure to visit during his papacy.

Leo will visit a home for disabled people, a prison, and celebrate three open-air masses. The poverty rate has swung wildly since Milei came to power, increasing to 32.3% in September. Hundreds of people gathered outside the presidential palace where Milei hosted him, chanting “Papa Leon.”

Source: The Guardian.