Pope Leo XIV Condemns Argentina’s Austerity, Calls for Inclusive Growth in Buenos Aires

During his visit to Buenos Aires, Pope Leo XIV delivered a sharp critique of Argentine President Javier Milei’s harsh austerity measures, emphasizing that economic growth must benefit all citizens, a message that drew enthusiastic applause.

“The economy must serve the people, not the other way around,” he said on Sunday shortly after arriving in Argentina, marking the second leg of his Latin American tour.

He highlighted the plight of those who “despite hard work still struggle to meet their household’s needs.”

He advocated for the poor and pensioners, urging “particular concern for those affected by illness, dependency and disability,” a clear reference to recent government cuts to disability support.

He also advised Milei—known for his combative rhetoric—that strengthening democracy requires “a willingness to listen” and “the careful use of words.”

At 71, Leo is undertaking an ambitious 12‑day tour of Latin America, just three weeks after undergoing surgery for lung cancer.

This marks the first papal visit to Argentina in nearly four decades, and Leo was greeted with hopes that he could help heal the deep divisions left by three years of austerity under Milei.

Argentina is also the homeland of Pope Francis, whose pro‑poor teachings Milei has previously criticized.

Leo said he was “retracing” Francis’s steps.

Many Argentines hope that the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics can help unite a nation sharply divided between Milei’s supporters and opponents.

“Just like the World Cup unites us, hopefully the pope will too,” said 68‑year‑old retired teacher Liliana Deblauwe, who waited among hundreds to see the pontiff at a monument to liberation hero José de San Martín.

Hundreds more chanting “¡Papa León!” gathered outside the presidential palace, where Milei hosted the pontiff.

Twenty‑six‑year‑old job seeker Brian Inacio Rodriguez spent five days traveling overland from Ushuaia, at the southern tip of South America, to see the pontiff. He expressed hope that his journey would bring “much peace to Argentina.”

Leo arrived in Buenos Aires from Uruguay, where he had begun his first papal trip to Latin America, the world’s most Catholic continent, which is becoming increasingly secular.

In Uruguay, he condemned drug‑related violence and called for an end to child poverty.

In Buenos Aires, he stressed the importance of “personal integrity” in public office, noting that “corruption undermines citizens’ confidence in their institutions.”

The Argentine leg of his visit seeks to revive the flagging faith of a nation disappointed by Pope Francis’s lack of a visit during his papacy.

It also serves as a litmus test of support for the Church. A recent University of Buenos Aires poll found that 57.7 % of respondents identify as Catholic, a decline from roughly 90 % in the 1960s.

Leo will visit a home for disabled people and a prison, and celebrate three open‑air masses.

The Church expects up to 7 million people to attend the various events.

Milei entered office pledging to revive Argentina’s struggling economy and curb runaway inflation by shrinking the welfare state, focusing cuts on public hospitals, universities, and pensioners.

Since taking power, the poverty rate has fluctuated dramatically, reaching 32.3 % in September.

As a close ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump, sharing a combative style, Milei has had a strained relationship with Pope Francis.

During his campaign, the cost‑cutting economist labeled his countryman an “imbecile” for championing social justice.

After taking office, he softened his tone, yet he continues to attack the press and opposition.

His relationship with Pope Leo has remained cordial so far, but the local Catholic Church has heavily criticized him for treating essential social services primarily as a budgetary constraint.

Milei has also faced criticism for restricting several democratic freedoms, including the right to protest. Nevertheless, he retains a loyal support base for dramatically lowering inflation.

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