In Argentina, Pope Leo delivers stinging rebuke to Milei over austerity measures
'The economy must be at the service of the people, rather than people being at the service of the economy,' the pontiff said, shortly after landing in Argentina on the second leg of a Latin America tour.
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Buenos Aires on Sunday, marking the second leg of a 12-day Latin America tour following his arrival from Uruguay. The 71-year-old pontiff, who underwent lung cancer surgery less than a month ago, delivered a speech that included a critique of President Javier Milei's harsh austerity measures. Leo stated that the economy must be at the service of the people rather than people being at the service of the economy, and stressed that economic growth must benefit all.
The Pope spoke in defense of pensioners and the poor, noting that particular concern should be shown for those affected by disability, illness, and dependency. Malay Mail and The Guardian noted these remarks appeared to be a reference to government cuts to disability assistance. Regarding democracy, Leo told Milei that strengthening it requires a willingness to listen and the careful use of words, adding that democracy is a heritage that must be safeguarded, according to DW News.
President Milei defended his administration's aggressive spending cuts as necessary to stabilize the country, stating his government aims to avoid punishing future generations to benefit those living today. This visit is the first by a pope to Argentina in nearly 40 years.
Brief written by urgent.news from Le Monde English, Malay Mail, The Guardian, DW News, DW English (Top Stories) — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
