Pope Leo Urges Milei to Protect Democracy During First Argentina Visit in 37 Years

POLICY WIRE — Buenos Aires, Argentina — Pope Leo arrived in Argentina on Sunday, marking the first time a pontiff has visited the predominantly Catholic nation since 1987. The visit serves as the second leg of a 12-day diplomatic tour across South America, following a previous stop in Uruguay.

In an address to President Javier Milei, the Pope emphasized the vital necessity of safeguarding the country’s democratic foundations. Milei, a close vocal ally of U.S. President Donald Trump who has signaled his intention to seek re-election next year, watched the speech under intense scrutiny from political analysts.

Pope Leo advised that political leaders must prioritize improving the quality of life for all citizens while acknowledging the inherent limits of their power. These remarks come as the president’s aggressive austerity program faces significant criticism from the Church for its disproportionate impact on the nation’s poorest residents.

“Authority is most authentic when it is exercised as service,” the Pope stated during the opening of his three-day itinerary. He noted that those in power have a moral obligation to act with prudence and ensure their decisions serve the collective good of the entire community.

The religious leader, the first U.S.-born pope, previously faced friction with Trump earlier this year following his condemnation of the conflict in Iran. Just last week, Leo made history by casting a mail-in vote in the U.S. midterm elections, reinforcing his stance on the rule of law.

Democracy… is a part of Argentina’s heritage that needs to be safeguarded Leo remarked. He explained that democracy is strengthened through a persistent search for consensus and the ability to view those with differing perspectives as fellow citizens sharing a common future.

At 71 years old, Leo is undertaking one of the most physically demanding international missions for a Catholic leader in decades, traveling less than a month after undergoing surgery for lung cancer. His schedule includes visits to four different Argentine cities through Wednesday.

Upon landing at Jorge Newbery airport on Sunday, thousands of supporters lined the route into central Buenos Aires. The crowds waved small Vatican and Argentine flags while nuns in tan habits celebrated the arrival with chants regarding his presence.

it is been almost 40 years, 39 exactly, that the pope has not come to Argentina,” said Claudia Sona, who traveled from the northern province of Salta. She described the event as a rebirth for both Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)