Credit, EPA
Pope Leo 14 defended the protection of the most vulnerable amid the austerity measures of the government of Argentine President, Javier Milei. The statement was made in Argentina on Sunday (8/11) in the midst of his first official trip as pope to Latin America.
In a speech to political leaders and representatives of Argentine civil society at the Libertad Palace, in Buenos Aires, the pope stated that economic growth must benefit the entire population. According to the AFP news agency, his words were received with enthusiastic applause.
"The economy must be at the service of the people, and not the people at the service of the economy," said the pope shortly after landing in Argentina, the second stage of his trip through the region, following a visit to the neighboring country Uruguay.
Leo 14 highlighted the difficult situation of those who "despite working hard, continue to face difficulties in meeting the needs of their families."
The pontiff defended the poor and retired people and called for "special attention to those who are affected by illness, dependence and disability", in an indirect reference to the controversial cuts that the Argentine government carried out in assistance programs for people with disabilities.
Faced with Milei, known for insulting his critics, the pope also stated that strengthening democracy requires "willingness to listen" and "careful with words."
This is the first visit by a pope to Argentina in almost four decades.
Leo 14 was met with requests to help overcome the country's deep divisions, after three years of austerity measures adopted by the Milei government.
End of Most read
The Argentine president, in turn, asked that the pontiff receive "a warm welcome" and stated that his visit marked the beginning of "days of great joy and national reflection."
"I'm happy to see representatives from across the political spectrum here, showing that there are reasons and occasions that are above our differences," said Milei.
This is Leo 14's first trip to Latin America, the region with the largest Catholic population in the world, but which is becoming increasingly secular. It is also the first visit by a pontiff to the home country of the late Pope Francis (1936-2025) in almost four decades.
Milei publicly insulted Pope Francis for his defense of the poor. In contrast to Milei's criticism, Leão 14 stated that he was "following in the footsteps" of his predecessor.
Credit, Reuters
Francisco, the 'imbecile'
Watch news from Brazil and the world on the BBC World Service
Download here
End of app promotion
Milei came to the Argentine Presidency with the promise of recovering the country's economy, then in difficulty, and containing rampant inflation by reducing public spending, with cuts mainly concentrated in public hospitals, universities and pensions.
The poverty rate has fluctuated greatly since he took power, reaching 32.3% in September this year.
A close ally of the President of the United States, Donald Trump, and with a combative style similar to that of the American, Milei had a tense relationship with Pope Francis, who was born in Argentina.
During the election campaign, Milei, an economist who advocates public spending cuts, called his compatriot Francisco an "imbecile" for defending social justice.
However, after assuming the role of president, he moderated his tone, although he continued to direct insults at the press and the opposition.
His relationship with Pope Leo 14 has been cordial so far, but the Argentine Catholic Church has criticized him for cuts in public resources for social services.
Milei has also been criticized for restricting several democratic freedoms, including the right to demonstrate. Despite this, it maintains a loyal base of supporters for having managed to reduce inflation.
Before the speech, the pope met with Milei at Casa Rosada, headquarters of the Argentine government, according to the Reuters news agency.
In a tribute to Francisco, Leo 14 will visit a prison in the coming days, as his predecessor used to do. He will also celebrate masses and visit the Pequeño Cottolengo Don Orione, an institution that serves 410 people with disabilities.
"Without a doubt, it is a great joy for us to receive this pope's visit," said Jorge Silanes, religious director of Cottolengo.
"Some may feel that not having received Francisco's visit was a loss... But that's life, there are gains and losses," said Silanes.
Discover more
Watch
End of Watch
