World

Pope Leo Criticizes Milei’s Austerity, Calls for Inclusive Growth in Argentina

By AFP

Pope Leo XIV delivered a sharp critique of Argentine President Javier Milei’s austerity measures on Sunday, November 8, 2026, insisting that economic growth must benefit all people. In a speech that drew enthusiastic applause, the Pope said, “The economy must be at the service of the people, rather than people being at the service of the economy.” He highlighted the plight of those who, “despite hard work, nonetheless struggle to meet their household’s needs,” and defended the poor and pensioners, urging particular concern for those affected by illness, dependency and disability, a reference to the government’s controversial cuts to disability assistance.

The Pope also urged President Milei, known for his foul‑mouthed diatribes, that strengthening democracy requires a “willingness to listen” and the “careful use of words.” The visit marks the first by a pontiff to Argentina in nearly four decades and follows Milei’s three‑year austerity program that has left the country deeply divided.

Pope Leo arrived in Buenos Aires from Uruguay, where he began his first trip to Latin America as Pope. He said he was “retracing” Pope Francis’s steps, who was famously insulted by Milei for his pro‑poor teachings. Argentine citizens, hoping the Pope will help unite the country, gathered in large numbers outside the presidential palace and at a monument to liberation hero José de San Martín.

The Pope’s 12‑day tour of the continent includes visits to a home for disabled people and a prison, and he will celebrate three open‑air masses. The Church expects a total of seven million faithful to attend the various events. A recent University of Buenos Aires poll found that 57.7% of people identify as Catholic, down from around 90% in the 1960s.

Milei came to office on a promise to revive Argentina’s ailing economy and tame runaway inflation by shrinking the welfare state, targeting public hospitals, universities and pensioners. The poverty rate has risen to 32.3% in September. While Milei has a loyal supporter base for reducing inflation, he has been criticized for restricting democratic freedoms, including the right to protest, and for treating key social services as a budgetary constraint. The Pope’s visit will serve as a litmus test of support for the Church in a country that has been disappointed by Pope Francis’s failure to visit during his papacy.