Pope Leo XIV arrived in Argentina on Sunday, beginning the second leg of a 12-day South American tour and meeting with President Javier Milei. The visit, the first by a pontiff to Argentina in nearly four decades and to the homeland of Pope Francis, occurs as Milei’s administration pursues an austerity program that has drawn criticism from the Catholic Church for disproportionately impacting the poor. Leo’s arrival in Buenos Aires followed a visit to Uruguay, and is considered the most politically sensitive stop on his tour.
The Pope and Milei shared a long handshake upon Leo’s arrival at Jorge Newbery airport, signaling a warm initial interaction despite underlying tensions. The Catholic Church has sharply criticized Milei’s austerity agenda, and his support for the Iran war, which Leo has previously denounced, a point of contention that reportedly drew ire from US President Donald Trump. The visit also takes place against the backdrop of the legacy of Pope Francis, who did not return to Argentina during his 12-year pontificate.
While the meeting between Leo and Milei is closely watched, the Pope’s focus, according to reports, is on prioritizing the needs of people over economic concerns. The visit comes after three years of austerity measures implemented by Milei’s government, and the pontiff’s presence is seen by some as an attempt to bridge divisions within the country.
Our reading is that Pope Leo’s visit to Argentina is a complex undertaking, balancing diplomatic protocol with significant underlying tensions. The warm initial reception by President Milei appears to mask disagreements over the austerity program and the Iran war, issues where the Pope has publicly differed. The visit also occurs in the shadow of Pope Francis’s decision not to return to his homeland, adding another layer of sensitivity to the trip.
Read the original coverage
💬 Comments
📜 Comment Policy