Pope Leo Argues Economy Must Serve People, Not Markets, During Argentina Visit
The pontiff arrived in Buenos Aires three weeks after lung cancer surgery and issued a direct challenge to President Javier Milei's spending cuts.
By Nikolai Morales ·
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Buenos Aires on Monday to face a politically charged reception from the Argentine government.
The visit marks the second stop on a 12-day tour of Latin America. The trip occurs just three weeks after the pope underwent successful surgery for lung cancer. His arrival in the capital sets the stage for a public clash with President Javier Milei over economic policy.
Leo stated that the economy must serve the people rather than the reverse. He emphasized that the system must benefit everyone, including the poor. The pope highlighted the struggle of workers who meet their household needs with difficulty despite hard labor. He also called for specific care for those affected by illness, dependency, and disability.
Milei responded by defending his libertarian agenda. He stated that his government aims to avoid punishing future Argentines to benefit current ones. In a welcome address, the president argued that rights to life, liberty, and property form the backbone of Western democracies. This defense stands in contrast to the Catholic Church's recent denunciation of his spending cuts as hurting the poorest citizens.
The pontiff offered a diplomatic critique of the president's combative style. Leo said strengthening democracy requires a willingness to listen and careful word choice. He urged leaders to act with prudence and acknowledge the limits of their power. This guidance appears to target the administration's controversial reduction of disability assistance.
Milei struck a conciliatory tone regarding his predecessor, Pope Francis. The president called Francis an exceptional figure and the most important Argentine in history. This shift marks a change from previous remarks where Milei labeled Francis a communist. Milei also posted on X that Argentina awaits the current pope with immense joy.
The Vatican described the pope as a 71-year-old who has undergone an operation. Officials said no extraordinary health measures were being taken. Doctors confirmed that the cancer removed last month has not spread. Milei, a supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump, plans to seek re-election next year. Trump has previously criticized Leo for opposing the Iran war.
