Pope Leo XIV Challenges Javier Milei’s Economic Agenda During Argentina Visit

Pope Leo XIV has emphasized social protection and the needs of vulnerable people during his first visit to Argentina in nearly 40 years, highlighting differences between Catholic social teaching and President Javier Milei’s economic agenda. The pope has called on leaders to ensure that economic growth benefits poorer people and that government decisions serve the whole community. His visit comes amid austerity measures introduced by Milei since taking office in December 2023.

The trip also marks a pope’s return to the birthplace of Pope Francis, who died in April 2025 after 12 years as pontiff. Francis had a strained relationship with Milei, who called him an “idiot” during the 2023 election campaign over his advocacy for social justice. This year, however, Milei praised Francis in a meeting with Leo, calling his predecessor “the most important Argentine in history.” Leo’s Argentina visit is scheduled to continue through Wednesday, Nov. 11, before he travels to Peru, the final stop on a South American tour that began in Uruguay.

At an official reception on Sunday, Nov. 8, Leo addressed government officials, civil society representatives and diplomats. Without naming Milei, he said economic growth should reach the most vulnerable and that governing decisions should be guided by the good of the entire community. “The economy must serve people, not people serve the economy,” the pope said. He also expressed solidarity with families facing economic uncertainty, unemployed people, older adults and workers who struggle to support their households despite having jobs.

Milei’s government has cut public spending and subsidies, laid off public-sector workers and reduced the state’s role in various areas, saying the measures are intended to balance the budget and control inflation. Annual inflation, which exceeded 200% when he took office, fell to about 33% in 2026. The fiscal adjustment has also affected public services and social programs, while Argentine families continue to face difficulties recovering their purchasing power.

During the visit, Leo also focused on people with disabilities, people who need care and the sick. At the Cottolengo Don Orione, a Catholic institution in Claypole in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area that houses more than 400 people with disabilities, he said their lives retain value under all circumstances. He described people with disabilities as a blessing rather than a burden and said a nation’s progress should be judged by how it welcomes people with disabilities and specific needs. The institution is facing financial difficulties, including delays in public funding and the effects of austerity on assistance services. The government has also reduced funding for specialized care programs and disability benefits, prompting objections from advocacy groups and lawmakers.

The National Disability Agency, known as Andis, is under investigation over suspected corruption in medicine-purchasing contracts. The allegations include claims involving Karina Milei, the president’s sister and secretary general of the Presidency. The case emerged in August 2025 after the release of recordings attributed to Diego Spagnuolo, then Andis director. In the recordings, he described an alleged kickback scheme and named Karina as a possible recipient of payments. Investigators are examining suspected contract favoritism, inflated prices and improper payments; Karina has been named in allegations, but her participation in the scheme has not been established. Argentina’s Congress is debating whether to increase disability funding in the next budget, a proposal Milei opposes.

Leo also called for greater cooperation among South American countries, citing the region’s historical and cultural ties. He said the continent’s human and natural resources, along with its shared traditions, provide broad opportunities for cooperation, and that Argentina could contribute its experience and capabilities. He urged nations to defend their interests through dialogue, respect for the law and agreements, and called on Argentina to maintain a willingness to negotiate. His appeal comes amid diplomatic disagreements between Milei and left-leaning South American governments, particularly that of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Milei has also strengthened political and economic ties with the United States under President Donald Trump.