Pope Leo XIV Visits Argentina Amid Milei Tensions

Pope Leo XIV is visiting Argentina for the first time since 1987, with his meetings and remarks drawing attention amid tensions with President Javier Milei. The Catholic Church has criticized Milei’s austerity policies, arguing that spending cuts have harmed poor and vulnerable people, while the president says they are needed to stabilize the economy. Leo’s first-day visit to a Catholic home for about 400 people with disabilities is a particularly pointed backdrop: the facility’s coordinator says government supplies including medication, special food and diapers have not arrived since last November, and the dispute is in court. The visit highlights a broader clash over social welfare and the role of the state, though Leo is not expected to criticize Milei by name.