On Monday, Pope Leo XIV made a high‑profile pilgrimage to the Cottolengo Don Orione home for people with disabilities in the Buenos Aires suburb of Claypole. The institution, founded in 1935, shelters more than 400 residents across a 50‑hectare campus and has become a symbol of charitable care in the capital region.
Papal message on economics and compassion
Speaking to staff, residents and their families, the pontiff echoed the teachings of his Argentine predecessor, Pope Francis, insisting that “the economy must serve the person, not the person the economy.” He framed the visit as a reminder that public policy should protect the weakest and most vulnerable, especially those who rely on specialized therapy and long‑term care.
Critique of Milei’s austerity agenda
Leo XIV highlighted the severe strain that President Javier Milei’s austerity measures have placed on the center. The administration’s cuts to healthcare and social‑service funding, according to the Pope, have frozen payments for therapy programs that have long been a lifeline for Argentina’s estimated five million citizens with disabilities. The Pope’s remarks came just days before the Senate is set to consider a disability‑funding bill that Milei has publicly opposed.
Broader economic context
Since taking office in late 2023, Milei has pursued a sweeping reform agenda that includes eliminating many trade barriers and slashing public‑sector spending. Supporters argue the reforms aim to curb fraud and waste, while critics contend they undermine vital safety‑net programs. The Pope’s visit underscores the tension between market‑oriented policy and the Catholic social teaching that calls for a preferential option for the poor.
Mass and public response
Later Monday, Leo XIV celebrated a Mass at the historic Monumento a los Españoles, a venue that hosted Pope John Paul II’s visit forty years earlier. Organizers expected up to two million faithful, and thousands arrived in the early hours to secure a place. Among the crowd was 63‑year‑old Teresa Videla, who recalled the earlier papal visit and expressed gratitude for the Pope’s return.
Implications for Argentine society
The Pope’s call to “put the weakest at the center of economic policy” resonates with many Argentine families who fear that continued cuts could jeopardize essential services. Business leaders and union representatives are slated to meet the pontiff at the Catholic University of Argentina, where discussions will focus on the impact of cheap imports and shrinking wages on domestic manufacturers and workers.
While the visit is primarily a religious event, it carries clear political overtones, highlighting the clash between a government that champions free‑market reforms and a faith tradition that emphasizes solidarity with the marginalized. Observers note that the Pope’s message may influence public debate ahead of the Senate’s upcoming vote on disability funding.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
