Pope Leo XIV Critiques Milei’s Austerity Cuts in Buenos Aires
Pope Leo XIV delivered a sharp critique of President Javier Milei’s austerity measures at the Palacio Libertad in Buenos Aires on November 8, 2026, marking the first papal visit to Argentina in nearly four decades. The pontiff’s address directly challenged the administration’s economic policies as pensioners, workers, and disabled citizens navigate the fallout of sweeping state spending cuts.
Economy Must Serve People as Pontiff Condemns Welfare Rollbacks
Standing before members of civil society, authorities, and the diplomatic corps on the second leg of a 12-day South American tour, Pope Leo insisted that economic growth must benefit all rather than leaving working households behind. The pontiff argued that the economy must remain at the service of the people, delivering a speech that drew rapturous applause from the audience.
The address focused heavily on the plight of pensioners and the poor, calling for particular institutional concern to be shown toward those affected by illness, dependency, and disability. The remarks functioned as a direct reference to the government’s controversial reductions in disability assistance.
In addition to economic critique, Pope Leo addressed President Milei regarding political discourse. The pontiff told the Argentine leader that strengthening democracy requires a willingness to listen and a careful use of words.
The high-profile arrival brings international focus to a deeply divided nation following three years of severe fiscal tightening under the current administration.
