Pope Leo criticises Milei's austerity on historic Argentina visit

· Politics · Argentina

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Argentina on Sunday from Uruguay, beginning the first papal visit to Argentina in nearly four decades. Welcomed by President Javier Milei, the pontiff criticised his host's austerity, telling the libertarian president that strengthening democracy required a 'willingness to listen' and the 'careful use of words', and that growth must benefit all. Earlier, wrapping up the first leg of his 12-day Latin America tour in Uruguay, Leo urged men to respect their wives amid a regional femicide crisis, noting nearly 20,000 women have been killed in the region over the past five years, most by current or former partners. Milei has previously called Leo's predecessor, Francis, the 'representative of the Evil One'.

Why it matters：The visit sets up a public clash between the Vatican and one of the world's most prominent libertarian governments at a time of austerity and regional tension.

Key points

  • It is the first papal visit to Argentina in nearly four decades.
  • Leo urged men to respect their wives amid a regional femicide crisis.
  • Milei had once called Pope Francis the 'representative of the Evil One'.

Sources (original reporting)

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