BUENOS AIRES — Pope Leo XIV arrived in Argentina on Sunday, Nov. 8, and urged the country to protect democracy and make sure economic growth benefits the poor, telling President Javier Milei and other officials that “the economy must be at the service of the people,” DW reported.
Related: Pope Leo Opens South America Tour in Uruguay, the Region’s Most Secular Country.
What the pope said
Leo did not address the government’s policies directly, DW said, but pointed to people who work hard and still struggle to meet household needs. He told Milei that strengthening democracy requires a willingness to listen and careful use of words.
Milei and the church
Argentina’s Catholic Church has criticized Milei’s cuts to social services, pensions, disability assistance and public universities. Milei has defended the cuts as needed to stabilize the economy and curb inflation, which has fallen from more than 200% to about 33% under his administration, according to DW.
Milei once insulted Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, before softening his tone. On Sunday he praised Francis as an exceptional figure and the most important Argentine in history, DW reported.
The trip
The visit is the second leg of Leo’s South America tour and the first by a pope to Argentina since John Paul II in 1987. The 71-year-old pontiff had surgery for lung cancer less than a month ago. He is scheduled to visit several Argentine cities before going on to Peru on Wednesday.
What happens next
Argentina holds a presidential election in 2027, and Milei has said he will seek another term. More is on our World News page.
Sources
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