Pope Leo XIV urged Argentina’s leaders to ensure that economic growth serves the public and to protect democracy during a meeting with President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires on Sunday, November 8. He did not directly name Milei’s policies, but said that “the economy must be at the service of the people, rather than people being at the service of the economy.”
Speaking to Milei and other officials, Leo also drew attention to people who work hard but still struggle to meet their household needs. He described democracy as part of Argentina’s heritage and said those in authority should recognize the limits of their power and make decisions for the good of the whole community. DW reported that the pope also called for leaders to listen and use their words carefully.
A visit amid debate over austerity
Milei has defended deep public spending cuts as necessary to stabilize Argentina’s economy and curb inflation. The measures have affected areas including social services, pensions, disability assistance and public universities. Annual inflation has fallen from more than 200% to about 33% under his administration, while households continue to face financial pressure, according to DW.
The pope’s remarks were general rather than a direct condemnation of specific government decisions. AFP also reported on Leo’s appeal to put people first during the visit.
Milei struck a conciliatory tone toward the Catholic Church on Sunday, praising Pope Francis, his Argentine predecessor, as an “exceptional figure” and the “most important Argentine in history.” Milei had previously criticized Francis, but later met him in Rome.
Leo’s trip is the first papal visit to Argentina since John Paul II traveled there in 1987. Buenos Aires is the second stop on the pope’s South America tour, which began in Uruguay; he is scheduled to visit several Argentine cities before traveling to Peru on Wednesday. Milei has said he will seek another term in Argentina’s 2027 presidential election.
Nicole French 
Reid Bentley