Pope Leo XIV Visits Argentina Amid Milei Tensions

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Argentina from Uruguay on Sunday, beginning the country’s first papal visit in nearly four decades and the most politically sensitive stop of his Latin American tour. In his first public address, he implicitly challenged President Javier Milei’s austerity agenda, saying the economy should serve people and highlighting the needs of poor households, pensioners and people with disabilities. He also urged Milei and other leaders to safeguard democracy through listening, respectful language, respect for institutions and efforts to reach agreement. The remarks contrasted with Milei’s spending cuts and divisive rhetoric as Argentina remains deeply polarized. During the visit, Leo went to a Catholic home for about 400 people with disabilities; its coordinator said government supplies, including medication, special food and diapers, had not arrived since November, in a dispute being heard in court. The visit also carries the legacy of Pope Francis, who never returned to Argentina during his papacy.