Pope Leo XIV Critiques Argentina’s Economic Model on Arrival

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Buenos Aires on Sunday to deliver a message that placed human welfare above economic metrics. The visit marks the first papal trip to Argentina in nearly 40 years. It is the most politically sensitive stop on his three-nation tour of South America. The pontiff addressed government officials and civic leaders immediately upon landing from Uruguay.

In his address, Leo explicitly stated that the economy must serve the person, not the other way around. This declaration contrasts with the policies of President Javier Milei. Milei has pursued aggressive austerity measures to reduce inflation. He has previously described social justice as a moral aberration and theft. His administration has framed its spending cuts as a necessary reform to eliminate waste in the federal bureaucracy.

Leo urged politicians to use words carefully and to view opponents as fellow citizens. He called for a gentler approach to democracy in a deeply polarized nation. Milei, who has often used combative language on social media, welcomed the pope with a conciliatory tone. He acknowledged the late Pope Francis as an exceptional figure and the most important Argentine in history. He also noted that certain causes transcend political differences.

The pope addressed specific economic concerns affecting Argentine households. He emphasized that growth must benefit the unemployed, retirees, and families struggling to meet basic needs. Under Milei’s administration, annual inflation dropped from 200% to about 32%. However, real wages remain below their levels from late 2023. Approximately 300,000 formal jobs have disappeared. Retirees on average monthly pensions of $510 have protested outside Congress every Wednesday for more than two years.

Leo also advocated for public universities, which have suffered funding cuts of about 40% since 2023. He stated that investing in education is essential for giving young people a future. A survey of final-year medical students published last year found that more than 80% considered emigrating. Nearly a third had begun applying for foreign citizenship. The pope argued that a nation must ask itself where it has failed when its young people must leave to realize their dreams.

The visit also touched on natural resources and technology. Leo said Argentina’s natural resources must serve the well-being of communities. This comment follows Milei’s loosening of protections for glaciers to attract oil and mining investment. The president has also promoted artificial intelligence as a key driver of economic growth. He is courting tech companies to build data centers in Patagonia. Leo warned that rapid advances in AI require careful consideration of their consequences and the responsibilities of those who decide how to use them.