Pope Leo XIV Chides Milei on Austerity and Democracy
The pontiff told Argentine leaders that economic growth must serve the people, not the other way around, during his first trip to the country since 1987.
By Thabo Hoffmann ·
Pope Leo XIV delivered a direct critique of President Javier Milei's economic policies during a Sunday address in Buenos Aires.
The pontiff, who is 71 years old, stated that economic growth must serve the population rather than the other way around. He received enthusiastic applause for remarks that defended the poor, pensioners, and those affected by illness, dependency, and disability. The speech served as a clear reference to the government's controversial reductions in disability assistance programs.
This visit marks the first papal trip to Argentina in nearly four decades. It is the second leg of Leo's 12 day tour of Latin America, undertaken just three weeks after he underwent surgery for lung cancer. He arrived in the capital from Uruguay, where he began his first trip to the region as pope by condemning drug violence and urging an end to child poverty.
Leo directed specific advice toward Milei, 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. He also warned that corruption undermines citizens' confidence in their institutions, stressing the importance of personal integrity in public office.
Milei came to office promising to revive the ailing economy and tame runaway inflation by shrinking the welfare state. His administration has overseen a poverty rate that reached 32.3% in September. While the relationship between the two men has been cordial so far, the local Catholic church has criticized the president for treating social services as a mere budgetary constraint.
The visit aims to heal deep divisions within the country that have emerged over the three years of Milei's rule. Argentines are hoping the leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics can unite the nation. Hundreds gathered to watch the pope visit a monument to Jose de San Martin, including Liliana Deblauwe, a 68 year old retired teacher. Another group of hundreds chanted the pope's name outside the presidential palace.
Brian Inacio Rodriguez, a 26 year old job seeker, traveled overland for five days from Ushuaia, the southern tip of South America, to see the pontiff. The visit also serves as a test of support for the church, with a recent poll showing that 57.7% of people identify as Catholic, a drop from about 90% in the 1960s. Leo will visit a home for disabled people and a prison, and celebrate three open air masses, with the church expecting seven million attendees.
