Pope Leo, continuing his 12-day trip to South America, arrived in Argentina from Uruguay on Sunday. This trip is particularly significant given his anticipated speech before President Javier Milei, a libertarian known as a close ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Tensions Over Economic Policies
The speech of this pope, the first pope born in the United States, may reveal tensions between the Vatican and Milei. Milei's austerity measures have been heavily criticized by the Church, as these policies are said to negatively impact the weaker segments of society. Additionally, Milei has strongly supported the war in Iran, which has also drawn criticism from Pope Leo.
Pope Leo was welcomed by Milei and a military group at Jorge Newbery Airport in Buenos Aires. The meeting began with a warm and friendly handshake between the two. The pope also met with Karina Milei, the president's sister, and received flowers from a group of children sitting on the runway.
Spiritual and Social Transformation
Thousands gathered along the way to the center of Buenos Aires, waving small Vatican and Argentine flags. A woman named Claudia Suna, who had come from the province of Salta, said, 'For Catholics and even non-Catholics, this is a rebirth.' Pope Leo, who is 71 years old and is undertaking one of the most active foreign trips of a Catholic leader in recent decades, will visit four cities by Wednesday, making him the first pope to travel to Argentina since 1987.
In his last public ceremony in Uruguay, Pope Leo urged political leaders to work for the benefit of the entire country, not just for a specific group. Milei, who came to power in 2023 with a promise to reduce government spending, is currently trying to control inflation.
However, polls indicate that Milei's popularity has declined due to cuts in subsidies and public layoffs. During his trip to Argentina, Pope Leo will also visit facilities for people with disabilities and prisons, highlighting his emphasis on attention to marginalized groups.
