Argentina: Pope Tells President Milei Economy Must Serve the Needy, Not Just Markets
A pointed arrival speech
Leo arrived in Buenos Aires from Uruguay on Sunday and spoke to officials, diplomats and civic leaders. He called for leaders to put people before the economy, offering a vision that differed from Milei’s approach.
The pope’s comments touched on spending cuts, social justice and artificial intelligence, areas where the government had sought to minimize the prospect of disagreement. Leo also urged gentler politics in a deeply polarized country, saying democracy requires careful language and respect for people with different views.
Milei’s economic agenda
Milei, a self-described anarcho-capitalist, has made reducing public spending a central part of his presidency as he seeks to tame inflation. He has condemned the idea of social justice in recent speeches.
His government has described the cuts as necessary reforms intended to reshape Argentina’s troubled economy and remove fraud and waste from the federal bureaucracy. Before Leo’s arrival, Human Capital Minister Sandra Pettovello said the pope was not coming to discuss local politics.
A call for shared prosperity
Leo acknowledged the value of encouraging opportunity and private initiative. He said economic growth should also benefit people facing hardship, including the unemployed, retirees and households struggling despite hard work.
Milei welcomed Leo’s visit in a message that expressed hope it would strengthen faith, renew hope and bring peace to Argentines. At the ceremony, he also praised the late Pope Francis, calling him an exceptional figure whose teachings continue to resonate.
A politically delicate visit
Leo’s Argentina visit is the most politically sensitive stop on his three-nation South American tour. It is also the first papal visit to the country in nearly 40 years; Francis, Argentina’s previous pope, did not return home during his 12-year pontificate.
Milei has often used combative language against critics and has lost allies in Congress as well as public support. At Leo’s welcome ceremony, however, he said some causes rise above political differences.
Key points
- Leo said leaders should put people before economic goals.
- The pope backed private initiative but urged growth to reach disadvantaged people.
- Milei has centered his presidency on cutting public spending to tame inflation.
- Leo’s trip is Argentina’s first papal visit in nearly 40 years.