--- title: "Pope Leo XIV Visits Argentina Amid Economic Crisis" url: https://newscentral.site/pope-leo-xiv-visits-argentina-amid-economic-crisis/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "World" published: 2026-11-08T22:23:19.000Z updated: 2026-11-09T01:39:02.069Z id: 33d4e19e-1886-46ec-b40a-b9363231695f source: "France 24 English https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20261108-pope-leo-argentina-visit-milei" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/pope-leo-xiv-visits-argentina-amid-economic-crisis/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Pope Leo XIV Visits Argentina Amid Economic Crisis During his speech in Buenos Aires, Pope Leo XIV delivered a critical assessment of the country's economic situation, emphasizing that the economy should serve the people. Pope Leo XIV arrived in Argentina on Sunday as part of his Latin America tour, which began in Uruguay. The Pope's visit comes at a time when President Javier Milei's austerity measures have been in place for three years, sparking calls to help bridge the divisions. During his speech in Buenos Aires, the first by a pontiff to his late predecessor's homeland in nearly four decades, Pope Leo XIV delivered a critical assessment of the country's economic situation. The Holy Father emphasized that the economy should serve the people, rather than the other way around. Pope Leo XIV spoke out in defense of the vulnerable segments of society, including those struggling to make ends meet despite their hard work. He specifically highlighted the plight of pensioners and individuals affected by illness, dependency, or disability, making a veiled reference to the government's recent cuts to disability assistance. The Pope's words were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience as he called for particular attention to be paid to those most in need during these challenging economic times. The Pope's message of unity and social responsibility resonated strongly with the Argentine crowd, as he emphasized the importance of listening and using words carefully in the pursuit of democratic ideals. During his visit to Buenos Aires, the pontiff was met with a mix of emotions, from enthusiasm to skepticism, as he navigated the complex landscape of Argentina's deep-seated divisions. The country has been grappling with the aftermath of three years of austerity measures implemented by President Milei, leaving many feeling disillusioned and desperate for change. As the Pope made his way through the crowds, he was surrounded by reminders of Argentina's rich history and cultural heritage, including a monument to Jose de San Martin, a liberation hero celebrated across the country. The presence of the Pope, who has been vocal about his commitment to social justice and equality, served as a beacon of hope for many Argentines seeking unity and healing. The Pope's visit to Argentina marks a significant moment in his first trip to Latin America, a region that is home to the majority of the world's Catholics. As he "retraces the steps of his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, Leo aims to bring attention to the struggles faced by ordinary people and promote a more inclusive approach to economic growth. As Pope Leo's 12-day tour of South America continues, he is drawing large crowds wherever he goes. Hundreds more people gathered outside the presidential palace in Argentina, where they were joined by President Milei, chanting Papa Leon - a testament to the pontiff's popularity. Among those who traveled long distances to see Pope Leo was Brian Inacio Rodriguez, a 26-year-old job seeker from Ushuaia. After five days of traveling overland, he finally met the Pope and expressed his hope that the visit would bring much peace to Argentina". Despite the challenges he faces in his own life, Rodriguez remains optimistic about the future. Pope Leo's tour has already taken him to Uruguay, where he spoke out against drug violence and child poverty. His message of compassion and inclusivity is resonating with many Argentines who are disillusioned with the country's economic struggles. The Pope's visit comes as a welcome respite from the austerity measures implemented by President Milei, which have left many feeling marginalized. The Argentine stage of Pope Leo's tour will be closely watched for its impact on the Church's popularity in the country. Recent polls have shown that the percentage of people identifying as Catholic has dropped significantly since the 1960s, with only 57.7 percent now claiming allegiance to the faith. The Church is expecting a total of seven million faithful at the various events, including visits to a home for disabled people and a prison, as well as three open-air masses. The Pope's visit to Argentina is expected to be a significant one, as it coincides with growing tensions between the government and the Catholic Church over social policies. Milei's administration has been criticized for targeting welfare programs, including public hospitals and universities, in an effort to curb inflation and revive the economy. This approach has led to increased poverty rates, which have risen to 32.3 percent since he took office. The Pope is likely to address these concerns during his visit, as he has previously spoken out against austerity measures that harm the most vulnerable members of society. --- Source: [France 24 English](https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20261108-pope-leo-argentina-visit-milei) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/pope-leo-xiv-visits-argentina-amid-economic-crisis/