Pope Leo urges democracy and social responsibility in Argentina

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Buenos Aires from Uruguay on Sunday, November 8, and met President Javier Milei before delivering his first public address in Argentina. Leo urged political leaders to strengthen democracy and said the economy should serve people, as the country remains divided over Milei’s austerity policies.

Speaking to officials, diplomats and civic representatives, Leo called for leaders to listen, use words carefully and seek agreement. He also said growth should benefit people facing hardship, including the unemployed, retirees and those struggling to meet household needs despite working hard. His remarks addressed poverty and social responsibility without directly naming Milei’s policies in the quoted passages.

The Church has said it expects seven million people to attend events during Leo’s four-day visit. That figure is an estimate, not a reported attendance total. His itinerary includes a home for people with disabilities, a prison and Masses in Buenos Aires, Luján and Córdoba province.

Milei greeted Leo when his plane arrived from Uruguay. The visit is the first by a pope to Argentina since John Paul II travelled there in 1987, and the first by a pontiff to the...