Pope Leo XIV Challenges Milei's Austerity Policies in Buenos Aires
The new pontiff arrived in Argentina three weeks after lung surgery to address a deeply divided nation and a church facing declining membership.
By Alina Carter ·
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Buenos Aires on Sunday to deliver a direct challenge to the economic policies of Argentine President Javier Milei.
The pontiff, 71, landed in the capital on the second leg of a 12 day tour of Latin America. He had just recovered from lung cancer surgery three weeks prior to the trip.
Leo spoke to a crowd in Buenos Aires that met him with loud applause. He argued that economic systems should support human needs rather than forcing people to serve the market.
He stated, "The economy must be at the service of the people, rather than people being at the service of the economy." The remark addressed the harsh austerity measures implemented by Milei's government since he took office.
The new pope highlighted the struggles of those working hard but still unable to meet basic household needs. He called for special attention to individuals affected by illness, dependency, and disability. This pointed to the government's controversial cuts to disability assistance.
Leo also addressed Milei directly regarding his communication style. He noted that strengthening democracy requires a willingness to listen and the careful use of words. This comment referenced the president's history of using strong language in public debates.
The visit marks the first time a pope has traveled to Argentina in nearly 40 years. It follows the tenure of the late Pope Francis, who was born in the country but never visited during his papacy. Leo said he was retracing the steps of his predecessor.
Argentine residents are divided over Milei's rule. A 68 year old retired teacher named Liliana Deblauwe waited with hundreds of people to see the pope at a monument to Jose de San Martin. She expressed hope that the visit would unite the country in a way similar to the World Cup.
Outside the presidential palace, hundreds of people chanted the pope's name. Among them was Brian Inacio Rodriguez, a 26 year old job seeker who traveled overland for five days from Ushuaia at the southern tip of South America to witness the visit.
Milei took office with a plan to shrink the welfare state and control inflation. The poverty rate rose to 32.3 percent by September of this year. His administration has faced criticism for treating social services as a budgetary constraint.
The Catholic Church in Argentina is experiencing a decline in membership. A recent poll by the University of Buenos Aires found that 57.7 percent of the population identifies as Catholic, down from about 90 percent in the 1960s.
Leo will visit a home for disabled people and a prison during his stay. The church expects 7 million people to attend the three open air masses he plans to celebrate.
