- Pope Leo urged Argentina's leaders to safeguard democracy, stating, “Democracy, then, is also a part of Argentina’s heritage that needs to be safeguarded.”
- Pope Leo emphasized that democracy is strengthened by daily conduct, including listening, careful use of words, and seeking agreement with those who think differently.
- Pope Leo, who recently voted by mail in the US mid-term elections, stressed the importance of the freedom to elect one’s own leaders through the ballot box.
- The pope stated that “authority is most authentic when it is exercised as service” and that those in authority must act with prudence and acknowledge the limits of their power.
- President Milei has been accused of undermining democracy through attacks on the press and divisive rhetoric, and has equated social justice programs with communism.
- Pope Leo's itinerary includes a visit to a federal prison and a care center affected by Milei's cuts, and Milei previously insulted Francis but later apologized and praised him.
Pope Leo emphasized the need for President Javier Milei to safeguard democracy, calling it a vital part of Argentina's heritage during a meeting at the Palacio Libertad. He stated, “Democracy, then, is also a part of Argentina’s heritage that needs to be safeguarded.”123
The pontiff highlighted that “democracy is also strengthened by the daily conduct of public life”, urging leaders to listen and engage with differing opinions. This call comes as Milei faces criticism for his divisive rhetoric and attacks on the press, which some argue undermine democratic values.6
Milei, who has previously insulted the pope, later apologized and acknowledged Francis as “the most important Argentine in history.” The pope's visit, marked by a mass attended by approximately 2.5 million people, underscores the significance of his message in a politically charged environment. His itinerary includes visits to a federal prison and a care center affected by Milei's budget cuts, further emphasizing his commitment to social justice.45
The pope's remarks resonate amid concerns about Milei's policies, which have been equated with communism by the president himself. As the pontiff stated, “Authority is most authentic when it is exercised as service”, urging leaders to act with prudence and prioritize the welfare of all citizens.
“The pope, who recently voted by mail in the US mid-term elections, stressed the importance of the freedom to elect one's own leaders. He also plans to visit a federal prison and a care center affected by Milei's cuts.”
