Pope Leo XIV Heads to Argentina for High-Stakes Visit Amid Tensions With President Milei
Pope Leo XIV departs Uruguay for Argentina, facing political tensions with President Milei. See key details on his South American tour challenges.
POLICY WIRE — Montevideo, Uruguay — Pope Leo XIV concluded his stop in Uruguay and departed for Argentina, the second and most politically sensitive segment of his three-nation South American tour.
The journey marks a shift in focus for the 71-year-old pontiff, who is expected to navigate sharp political friction involving the Catholic Church’s recent criticisms of libertarian President Javier Milei’s austerity measures.
Before crossing the border into Argentina, the Pope held events in the city of Florida, located north of Montevideo, to commemorate a significant Catholic feast day.
Despite undergoing cancer surgery less than a month prior, Leo has continued to appear in fine form during his public engagements.
During his time in Uruguay, Leo also offered counsel to Catholic parents whose children have left the faith while visiting the national shrine.
He further lauded women for their pivotal role in transmitting the Catholic faith to younger generations within the country.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
