During his second stop on a 12‑day Latin American tour, Pope Leo XIV arrived in Buenos Aires and used the occasion to remind Argentina’s leaders that the nation’s economy must serve all citizens, especially the most vulnerable. The Pope’s remarks came as President Javier Milei’s austerity plan—aimed at cutting public spending—has drawn criticism from the Catholic Church for disproportionately affecting the poor.
Speaking at the airport, the Pope said, “The economy must be at the service of the people, rather than people being at the service of the economy.” He highlighted the struggles of families who, despite hard work, still find it difficult to meet basic needs, and called for special attention to those suffering from illness, dependency and disability—an allusion to the government’s controversial cuts to disability assistance.
In response, Milei defended his policies, stressing that his administration seeks to avoid “punishing the Argentines of tomorrow in order to benefit the Argentines of today.” He reiterated that the rights to life, liberty and property form the backbone of Argentina’s constitution and of Western democracies.
The Pope also urged the country to safeguard its democracy, noting that those in authority must act with prudence and direct decisions toward the common good. He added that strengthening democracy requires a “willingness to listen” and the “careful use of words.”
While Milei has previously criticized Pope Francis, calling him “evil on earth” and a “communist,” he recently softened his tone, describing Francis as an “exceptional figure” and “undoubtedly the most important Argentine in history.” He also welcomed the current Pope’s visit, expressing that Argentina awaits him “with immense joy.”
The Pope’s trip, which follows a successful lung‑cancer surgery, is seen as a homage to the late Pope Francis, who never returned to his homeland during his papacy. The Vatican has stated that no extraordinary measures are being taken regarding the Pope’s health.
Source: BBC World
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