Pope Leo XIV criticises Milei austerity as he arrives in Buenos Aires
Pope Leo XIV has used the start of his visit to Argentina to deliver a pointed but diplomatic critique of President Javier Milei's austerity agenda. Speaking as he arrived in Buenos Aires, the pope said the country's economy must benefit everyone, including the poor. The remarks came on the second stop of his 12-day Latin America tour and were widely read as a veiled rebuke of the government's spending cuts.
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The pope said the economy must be at the service of the people, rather than people being at the service of the economy. He also stressed the situation of those who, despite hard work, still struggle to meet their household needs. In a further reference to the government's policies, he called for particular concern for people affected by illness, dependency and disability.
His comments were made only three weeks after surgery for lung cancer, according to the supplied report. They also came at a politically sensitive moment, with the Argentine church having already criticised Milei's public spending cuts for hitting the poorest hardest. The pope also urged a careful use of words and a willingness to listen, saying democracy is strengthened by those qualities.
The exchange matters because Argentina is facing a debate over how far austerity can go while protecting vulnerable groups. Milei has defended his libertarian programme as necessary to avoid burdening future generations, while the pope's remarks placed social protection at the centre of the discussion. The intervention also highlights the continuing influence of the Catholic Church in a country where questions of poverty, disability support and public spending remain politically charged.
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The visit is especially sensitive because of the history between Milei and the late Pope Francis, whom the president had previously attacked in harsh terms before softening his tone this week. Milei has since described Francis as an exceptional figure and the most important Argentine in history, while also welcoming Leo's arrival with a message of joy. In his own address, the pope said those in authority must act with prudence, recognise the limits of their power and direct decisions toward the good of the whole community.
What remains unclear is how far the pope's comments will affect the political debate in Buenos Aires or the government's next steps on spending and disability assistance. The report does not indicate any immediate policy change, and Milei's administration has continued to defend its approach. The rest of the pope's Argentina visit is likely to be watched closely for any further remarks on economic policy, democracy and social protection.
