Pope Leo XIV delivered a pointed critique of President Javier Milei's austerity policies upon arriving in Buenos Aires on Sunday. In his first public address during the visit, the pontiff stated that the economy must serve the people rather than the reverse, emphasizing the need to support those struggling despite hard work, including the poor, pensioners, and the disabled.

The remarks came on the second stop of Leo's 12-day Latin American tour, just three weeks after the 71-year-old pontiff underwent lung cancer surgery. This marks the first papal visit to Argentina since 1987. Leo, the first American-born pope, framed his comments around the Catholic Church's social doctrine, urging leaders to act with prudence and direct decisions toward the common good.

Milei, a libertarian who took office in late 2023, has implemented sharp spending cuts that reduced annual inflation from over 200 percent to around 33 percent and produced a budget surplus. Supporters credit these measures with stabilizing the economy after years of crisis, though critics note ongoing challenges with poverty rates near 32 percent and reduced real wages.

The president, an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, has defended his approach as essential for long-term prosperity and has dismissed notions of social justice as misguided. In response to the pope's speech, Milei highlighted the need to avoid burdening future generations.

Leo also stressed the importance of safeguarding democracy through listening and careful language, a message delivered amid Argentina's polarized political climate. The visit occurs against the backdrop of Milei's previous criticisms of the late Pope Francis and ongoing tensions between the government and segments of the Catholic Church over welfare reductions.

The pope is scheduled to remain in Argentina for three days before continuing his tour. Observers view the trip as a test of relations between the Vatican and Milei's administration, with economic reforms at the center of debate.