Pope Leo takes Milei to task as he visits divided Argentina

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA Pope Leo XIV delivered a stinging critique of Argentina President Javier Milei's harsh austerity measures on Sunday (November 8, 2026), 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," he said, shortly after landing in Argentina on the second leg of a Latin America tour.

Pope Leo stressed the plight of those who, "despite hard work, nonetheless struggle to meet their household's needs." He spoke out in defence of the poor and pensioners, insisting that "particular concern be shown for those affected by illness, dependency and disability" — a veiled reference to the government's controversial cuts to disability assistance. And he told Mr.