Pope Leo in South America: Criticism of Milei's austerity policy in Argentina

During his visit to Argentina, Pope Leo XIV expressed sharp criticism of President Javier Milei's austerity measures. “The economy must serve the people” and not the other way around, said the head of the Catholic Church on Sunday (local time) shortly after landing in the South American country. It is the first visit by a pope to Argentina in almost 40 years.

The Pope highlighted the plight of those who “despite hard work still have difficulty making a living.” He stressed that "special attention must be paid to those affected by illness, need for care and disability" - a reference to the Argentine government's controversial cuts to disability assistance.

Leo XIV told Milei that strengthening democracy requires “the willingness to listen” and the careful use of words”. Milei said his government wanted to avoid "punishing the Argentinians of tomorrow in order to benefit the Argentinians of today."

The relationship between Leo XIV and Milei is followed with attention. The president sharply attacked Leo's predecessor Francis, who died in 2025, during the election campaign because of his commitment to social justice, but apologized publicly after his election victory.

During his stay, Leo XIV plans to celebrate three open-air masses and visit a prison, a home for people with disabilities and a pilgrimage site. An evening prayer is also planned for Monday in the Buenos Aires Cathedral. The Catholic Church expects a total of up to seven million visitors to the various events.

For many Argentines, the Pope's visit has a special meaning: Leo's predecessor Francis came from Argentina and was Archbishop of Buenos Aires before his election as Pope. The fact that he never returned to his homeland during his twelve-year pontificate disappointed many of his compatriots.

Leo XIV first visited Uruguay. The 71-year-old completed his twelve-day trip to South America just three and a half weeks after a lung cancer operation (more here). On Wednesday he will travel to Peru, where he worked as a missionary and bishop for around two decades.