Put people before economy, Pope tells Argentina’s Milei as leaders should know limits of power
Leo sets out governing vision
Arriving in Buenos Aires from Uruguay on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV addressed officials, diplomats and civic leaders. He said political leaders should put people ahead of economic priorities.
Leo argued that democratic life requires careful language and recognition of political opponents as fellow citizens. His emphasis on social justice and public responsibility contrasted with Milei’s approach to spending and the economy.
Milei defends spending cuts
Milei has made reducing public spending a central part of his effort to curb inflation. His government describes the cuts as necessary reforms intended to reshape Argentina’s troubled economy and remove fraud and waste from the federal bureaucracy.
The president has sharply criticized the concept of social justice. Before Leo arrived, Human Capital Minister Sandra Pettovello said the pope was not coming to discuss local politics, while Milei said he hoped the visit would bring faith, hope and peace.
Calls for a broader peace
Leo’s visit is the most politically delicate stop on his three-nation South American tour. It is also the first papal visit to Argentina in nearly 40 years; Pope Francis, an Argentine, did not return home during his 12-year pontificate.
Milei welcomed people from across Argentina’s political spectrum and praised Francis, whom he had previously attacked. On economic policy, Leo backed measures that create opportunities and encourage private initiative, while stressing that growth should also help unemployed people, retirees and households struggling to meet their needs.
Key points
- Leo called on leaders to put people before the economy.
- His remarks challenged Milei’s austerity measures and libertarian agenda.
- The pope urged gentler political debate in polarized Argentina.
- Leo said economic growth should benefit disadvantaged people.