Pope Leo delivers pointed messages to Milei on economy, jobs and disabled

Pope Leo XIV concluded his visit to Argentina, delivering a series of pointed messages that challenged President Javier Milei's government agenda. Over four days, the pontiff spoke at Palacio Libertad, the Pequeño Cottolengo Don Orione care centre, and other venues, addressing economic policies, democratic coexistence, and support for the disabled.

On one occasion, Leo XIV declared, "The economy must serve the person, not the person the economy," sparking global interpretation as a critique of the government's austerity policies. In another reference to those who, "even when working, struggle to meet their household needs," the pontiff highlighted the plight of the elderly. Milei had previously denied claims of people running out of money before the 20th of each month, a stance the Pope disagreed with.

The Pope emphasized the importance of democratic coexistence through "care in the use of words" and urged people to recognize those with differing opinions as "fellow citizens with whom we share the same destiny." He also advocated for the strengthening of state universities and care for the disabled, areas of persistent conflict for the Milei administration.

Furthermore, the pontiff cautioned against the unregulated automation's potential job risks and warned that "we can end up lying, betraying or humiliating someone on social media" when pursuing approval. The Pope concluded by urging the entire nation to rise up and walk, a message that starkly contrasted with Milei's pledge to "drive the final nail into Kirchnerism's coffin."