- Pope Leo XIV arrived in Argentina for his first papal visit in almost four decades, meeting privately with President Javier Milei shortly after landing.
- During his first speech in Buenos Aires, Pope Leo XIV called on President Milei and political leaders to 'safeguard democracy' and demonstrate a 'careful use of words'.
- Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass on the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, emphasizing the Christian family as a pillar amid insecurity.
- The visit occurs amid Milei’s 'chainsaw' austerity measures that have led to welfare spending cuts, and he has been accused of undermining democracy through attacks on the press.
- Pope Leo emphasized the importance of the 'freedom to elect one’s own leaders through the ballot box' and urged leaders to recognize the limits of their power.
- He stated that 'authority is most authentic when it is exercised as service' and that those in authority have a duty to act with prudence.
Pope Leo XIV's visit to Argentina marks a significant moment as he calls on President Javier Milei to prioritize democracy amidst rising tensions.123
"Democracy, then, is also a part of Argentina’s heritage that needs to be safeguarded," he stated, urging leaders to engage in respectful dialogue.
The pope's message comes as Milei's austerity measures have sparked controversy, with critics accusing him of undermining democratic values through divisive rhetoric.
During a Mass attended by approximately 2.5 million people, Leo emphasized the role of the Christian family as a source of hope and renewal.4
"Indeed, the family is a privileged place for coming to know and encounter Christ," he remarked, inviting families to open their homes to faith.
Leo's visit, the first papal trip to Argentina in nearly four decades, also included a private meeting with Milei, where he was presented with the keys to Buenos Aires.
He highlighted the need for leaders to recognize the limits of their power, stating, "Authority is most authentic when it is exercised as service."
The pope's call for unity and careful communication resonates amid a backdrop of political and social challenges in Argentina, where corruption and welfare cuts have raised concerns about the future of democracy.
“The visit marks the first papal trip to Argentina in almost four decades, with a mass drawing about 2.5 million people. Pope Leo also met with five abuse survivors and warned that corruption undermines trust in institutions.”
