Buenos Aires, Argentina - Pope Leo XIV delivered a stinging critique of Argentinian President Javier Milei's harsh austerity measures on Sunday, insisting growth must benefit all in a speech met with rapturous applause.
"The economy must be at the service of the people, rather than people being at the service of the economy," Leo said shortly after landing in Argentina on the second leg of 12-day-long tour of Latin America.
During his comments, he stressed the plight of those who "despite hard work, nonetheless struggle to meet their household's needs."
Particularly, he spoke out in defense of the poor and pensioners, insisting "particular concern be shown for those affected by illness, dependency, and disability." The comment is likely a veiled reference to the Milei government's brutal cuts to disability assistance.
Strikingly, the pontiff told Milei – who had greeted him in Buenos Aires and is known for his foul-mouthed diatribes – that strengthening democracy required a "willingness to listen" and the "careful use of words."
Leo arrived in Buenos Aires from Uruguay, where he began his first trip as pope to Latin America, the world's most Catholic continent. Argentina is the home country of Leo's predecessor, the late Pope Francis.
Milei famously insulted Francis for his pro-poor teachings. Leo expressed admiration for the late pontiff and said he was "retracing" his footsteps.
Argentines are hoping the leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics will help unite the country, which is bitterly divided between supporters and opponents of Milei.
"Just like the World Cup unites us, hopefully the pope will too," said Liliana Deblauwe, a 68-year-old retired teacher who waited with hundreds of people to see the pope visit a monument to liberation hero Jose de San Martin.