Buenos Aires – Pope Leo XIV arrived in Argentina on Sunday and used his inaugural speech to call on President Javier Milei to prioritize the well‑being of citizens over purely economic metrics. Speaking to officials, diplomats and civil‑society leaders, the pontiff said, “The economy must serve the person, not the person the economy.”
Contrast of visions
Leo’s remarks set up a clear contrast with Milei’s libertarian agenda, which has centered on deep cuts to public spending in an effort to tame inflation. The president, who describes himself as an anarcho‑capitalist, has framed his reforms as a necessary overhaul to eliminate fraud and waste in the federal bureaucracy.
While Milei’s team downplayed the possibility of a political clash, Human Capital Minister Sandra Pettovello told a Buenos Aires radio station that the pope would not comment on local politics. Milei, in a welcoming message, expressed hope that the visit would “strengthen the faith, renew hope and bring a message of peace to all Argentines.”
Economic outcomes and social concerns
The administration points to a rare budget surplus and a drop in annual inflation from roughly 200% to about 32% as evidence of success. However, real wages remain below pre‑2023 levels and an estimated 300,000 formal jobs have disappeared. Retirees protesting low pensions of about $510 per month continue to gather outside Congress each Wednesday, a protest the president has dismissed as “huge stupidity.”
Leo acknowledged Milei’s free‑market instincts, encouraging policies that create opportunities and stimulate private initiative. He added that growth must also benefit the disadvantaged, including the unemployed, retirees and families struggling to meet basic needs.
Education, AI and natural resources
The pope highlighted the importance of investing in education, vocational training, universities and research, noting recent cuts of about 40% to public university funding since 2023. He warned that a nation must ask itself why young people consider emigrating, citing a survey of medical students where more than 80% contemplated leaving the country.
Leo also raised concerns about the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence, urging careful consideration of its consequences and the responsibilities of those who deploy it. Milei’s push for AI‑driven investment, including data centers in Patagonia and AI‑enabled policing, has drawn criticism from rights groups over potential mass surveillance.
Natural resources and environmental stewardship
Addressing Argentina’s natural wealth, the pontiff said resources must serve the well‑being of local communities. This can be read as a caution to Milei’s aggressive push for oil, gas and mining projects, which have included loosening protections for glaciers that supply much of the nation’s water.
Overall, the visit underscores a broader debate in Argentina between a market‑driven reform agenda and a faith‑based call for policies that protect the most vulnerable. While Milei’s administration emphasizes fiscal discipline and investment attraction, Pope Leo XIV’s message reminds leaders that economic policy should ultimately serve the people.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
