{
  "id": 19045189,
  "title": "Pope takes Milei to task as he visits divided Argentina",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/pope-takes-milei-to-task-as-he-visits-divided-argentina",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-08T23:31:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/world/americas/pope-takes-milei-to-task-as-he-visits-divided-argentina-1.500740515"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pope Leo XVIII delivered a scathing rebuke of President Javier Milei's austerity measures during his recent visit to Argentina. In a speech that elicited enthusiastic applause, the Pontiff emphasized that economic growth must serve the needs of the populace, rather than the other way around. Pope Leo highlighted the hardships faced by those who, despite their diligent work, still struggle to meet their household's necessities. He vocally defended the rights of the poor and pensioners, urging special attention to be given to individuals suffering from illness, dependency, or disability—a subtle reference to the government's controversial reduction in disability assistance.\n\nDuring his address, Pope Leo cautioned President Milei, known for his outspoken rhetoric, that fostering democracy requires both the willingness to listen and the judicious use of words. The Pope's visit, the first by a pontiff to Argentina in nearly four decades, came amid widespread calls for unity in a nation divided by deep ideological differences. The visit is part of Pope Leo's broader tour of Latin America, his second stop following his homonymous predecessor, Francis, whom Milei had publicly disparaged during his campaign.\n\nArgentines are hopeful that the Pope's presence will help bridge the country's divides, similar to how sports events like the World Cup have brought people together in the past. Crowds gathered outside the presidential palace to catch a glimpse of the Pope, with Milei himself welcoming him. Brian Inacio Rodriguez, a young job seeker who traveled over 5,000 miles to see the Pope, expressed his deep desire for peace in Argentina. Despite undergoing surgery for lung cancer just three weeks prior, Pope Leo's 12-day tour aims to reignite the faith of a nation disillusioned by past papal visits.\n\nThe visit seeks to gauge public support for the Church, with an estimated 7 million faithful expected to attend the various events, including a mass at a home for disabled individuals and another at a prison. While Pope Leo's relationship with Milei has been cordial, the local Catholic Church has publicly criticized him for prioritizing fiscal constraints over key social services. Milei, a close ally of US President Donald Trump and a vocal critic of social justice, entered office with the promise of revitalizing Argentina's economy and curbing inflation. However, the poverty rate has soared to 32.3% since his arrival.",
  "summary": "Pope heads to Argentina, where church opposes Milei cuts",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}