Pope Leo urges Argentina's Milei to put people before the economy

Pope Leo XIV has urged Argentina to protect democracy and ensure economic growth benefits the poor, delivering a message to President Javier Milei over austerity, social welfare and political divisions. The pope's remarks were widely watched for criticism of President Javier Milei 's harsh austerity programs and cuts affecting social services.

While Leo did not address the government's policies directly, he said "the economy must be at the service of the people, rather than people being at the service of the economy." Talking to Milei and other government officials, he pointed to the plight of those who, "despite hard work, nonetheless struggle to meet their household's needs." The visit to Buenos Aires marks the second leg of the pope's South America tour and is the first papal visit to Argentina in nearly 40 years. The 71-year old pontiff, who underwent surgery for lung cancer less than a month ago, arrived from Uruguay and is scheduled to visit several cities in the Catholic-majority country before continuing to Peru on Wednesday.