Pope Leo XIV Rebukes Milei's Austerity in Buenos Aires, Urges Economy to Serve People
Pope Leo XIV, arriving in Buenos Aires on the second leg of a 12-day Latin America tour just three weeks after lung cancer surgery, delivered a pointed critique of President Javier Milei's austerity measures, saying "the economy must be at the service of the people, rather than people being at the service of the economy." He urged concern for those affected by illness, dependency and disability—an apparent reference to cuts to disability assistance—and said democracy requires a "willingness to listen" and "careful use of words." Milei defended his libertarian policies and struck a conciliatory tone toward Pope Francis. The visit is the first papal trip to Argentina in nearly four decades.
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Pope Leo Criticizes President Milei's Economic Policy During Argentina Visit
Pope Leo XIV sharply criticized Argentine President Javier Milei during a visit to Argentina, according to a report by Die Welt. Speaking in Buenos Aires, the head of the Catholic Church said the economy must serve the people, not the other way around, framing his criticism around the principle that economic policy should be oriented toward human welfare rather than requiring people to serve economic ends. The report attributes the criticism directly to the pope during his Argentina visit and does not provide further details on the specific policies discussed or any response from Milei or his government.
Read sourcePope Leo XIV Urges Argentina's Economy to Serve All, in Veiled Rebuke of Milei's Austerity
Pope Leo XIV, arriving in Buenos Aires on the second leg of a 12-day Latin America tour just three weeks after lung cancer surgery, delivered a diplomatic but pointed critique of President Javier Milei's austerity measures, saying the economy must serve the people rather than the reverse. He stressed the plight of those who struggle despite hard work and urged particular concern for people affected by illness, dependency and disability, an apparent reference to controversial cuts to disability assistance. In what appeared to be a rebuke of Milei's combative style, the Pope said democracy requires a willingness to listen and careful use of words. Milei responded that his government seeks to avoid punishing future Argentines to benefit those of today, defended libertarian policies rooted in rights to life, liberty and property, and struck a conciliatory tone toward Pope Francis, whom he had previously derided. The Vatican said no extraordinary health measures were being taken for the 71-year-old Pope.
Read sourcePope Leo and Javier Milei Offer Dueling Visions for Argentina During Papal Visit
Pope Leo visited Argentina and offered a contrasting vision to that of President Javier Milei, according to Financial Times and Guardian reports. The Guardian described the pope's remarks as a 'stinging rebuke' of Milei's austerity measures. CNN reported that on arrival Pope Leo urged Milei, characterized as a Trump ally, to 'safeguard democracy.' NPR noted the pope traveled to Argentina after a successful visit to Uruguay. Vatican News reported the pope would 'find a family' at the Don Orione center in Claypole. The coverage frames a duel of visions between the pontiff and the libertarian president over economic policy and democratic governance in Argentina.
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Pope Leo Rebukes Milei's Austerity Measures During Argentina Visit
Pope Leo XIV delivered a stinging critique of Argentine President Javier Milei's harsh austerity measures during a speech in Buenos Aires on Sunday, saying "the economy must be at the service of the people, rather than people being at the service of the economy." The pontiff stressed the plight of those who struggle despite hard work and defended the poor, pensioners, and people with disabilities—a veiled reference to the government's controversial cuts to disability assistance. He also told Milei that strengthening democracy requires a "willingness to listen" and "careful use of words." The visit is the first by a pontiff to Argentina in nearly four decades and comes on the second leg of Leo's 12-day Latin America tour, just three weeks after lung cancer surgery. Argentines hope the pope will help unite a country bitterly divided over Milei's austerity policies, which have targeted public hospitals, universities, and pensioners while the poverty rate rose to 32.3% in September.
Read sourcePope Leo XIV's Argentina Visit Sets Up Showdown With 'Hyper-Capitalist' Milei
Pope Leo XIV begins his first full day in Argentina on Monday, visiting a Catholic-run home for disabled people near Buenos Aires before heading to the capital and later celebrating Mass in Córdoba. The trip sets up a potential confrontation with President Javier Milei, a far-right libertarian who has slashed disability funding and public spending, and who once called Pope Francis 'the representative of the Evil One.' The pope and Milei hold opposing views on social justice, labor rights, and artificial intelligence regulation. The facility's coordinator says the government cut off medications, special foods, and diapers since last November. Milei's government is downplaying tensions, while church leaders and social movements expect the pope to uphold Catholic social doctrine without direct confrontation.