Pope Leo arrives in Argentina and tells Milei that people, not the economy, should come first
Leo's visit to Argentina is by far the most politically delicate of his three-nation South American tour, and a place where Leo will also confront the complicated legacy of Argentine Pope Francis, who never returned home during his 12-year pontificate.
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Argentina on Sunday, delivering a message that strongly emphasized the importance of prioritizing people over the economy in governance and policy-making. In his first public speech in Argentina, Leo urged political leaders to focus on the well-being of citizens rather than solely on economic growth. He stated that the economy should serve the individual, not the other way around.
The Pope's visit comes at a politically sensitive time, as Argentina is currently experiencing a significant divide between his moderate approach and President Javier Milei's libertarian agenda. Milei, a self-described anarcho-capitalist, has implemented strict austerity measures aimed at reducing public spending to combat inflation.
He has labeled social justice as a "horror," "moral aberration," and "theft," and has faced criticism for his combative social media presence, which has cost him allies in Congress and public support.
Despite Milei's staunch opposition to the Pope's message, Leo addressed the intricacies of Argentina's economic challenges while advocating for a more inclusive approach to growth. He acknowledged the need for policies that benefit disadvantaged groups, including the unemployed, retirees, and those struggling to make ends meet. Leo also highlighted the importance of investing in public education, vocational training, and research to secure a brighter future for young people in Argentina.
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