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Pope Leo XIV criticized the harsh austerity measures of President Javier Milei's government upon his arrival in Argentina, after having visited Uruguay, as part of his first official tour of Latin America.
In a speech before the political leadership and representatives of Argentine civil society at the Libertad Palace in Buenos Aires, the pope insisted that growth must benefit everyone, during a speech that received enthusiastic applause, the AFP news agency reported.
"The economy must be at the service of the people and not the people at the service of the economy," he said shortly after landing in Argentina during the second leg of his tour of the region.
Leo XIV highlighted the difficult situation of those who "despite working hard, continue to have difficulties meeting the needs of their homes."
The pontiff advocated for the poor and retirees, insisting that "special attention be paid to those affected by illness, dependency and disability," a veiled reference to the Argentine government's controversial cuts to disability aid programs.
In addition, he told Milei, known for insulting his detractors, that strengthening democracy required a "willingness to listen" and a "careful use of words."
This is the first visit by a pontiff to Argentina in almost four decades.
Leo XIV was greeted with requests to help heal the country's deep divisions after three years of austerity under Milei.
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It is Leo XIV's first trip to Latin America, the most Catholic continent in the world that is becoming increasingly secular. And the first visit by a pontiff to the native country of the late Pope Francis in almost four decades.
Milei publicly insulted Francisco for his defense of the poor. In contrast, Leo XIV claimed that he was "following in the footsteps" of Francis.
image source, Reuters
Francisco, the "imbecile"
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Milei came to power promising to revive Argentina's battered economy and curb rampant inflation by reducing public spending, focusing especially on public hospitals, universities and pensions.
The poverty rate has swung wildly since he came to power, reaching 32.3% in September.
Milei, a close ally of US President Donald Trump and a similarly combative style, had a tense relationship with Francis.
During the election campaign, this pro-cuts economist called his compatriot an "imbecile" for defending social justice.
However, once in office, he softened his tone, although he continues to hurl insults at the press and the opposition.
His relationship with Leo XIV has so far been cordial, but the local Catholic Church has harshly criticized him for budget restrictions on social services.
Milei has also been criticized for restricting several democratic freedoms, including the right to demonstrate. However, it maintains a loyal fan base for having drastically reduced inflation.
Before the speech, the pope met with Milei at the Casa Rosada, the Reuters news agency reported.
In a nod to Francis, in the coming days the Pope will visit a prison, something his predecessor used to do, will celebrate masses and visit the Little Cottolengo Don Orione, an institution that serves 410 people with disabilities, amid complaints against the Milei government over budget cuts in the sector.
"Without a doubt it gives us great joy that this pope visits us," said Jorge Silanes, religious director of Cottolengo.
"What some may feel, that we did not have the presence of Francisco, is a loss... life is like that, you have gains and losses," he said.
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