Leo XIV urges Argentines to overcome their divisions in front of Javier Milei

On Sunday in Buenos Aires, Leo XIV asked Argentines to see a fellow countryman in those who think differently and to give dialogue its place again, in order to strengthen democracy. According to N Digital, he was speaking in his first public address in the country, at the Palacio Libertad. Attending were President Javier Milei, members of his cabinet, governors, lawmakers, representatives of the judiciary and leaders of opposing political currents.

A speech that did not mention the president

The pope named neither Javier Milei nor his government's decisions. He did, however, touch on sensitive issues in the country: families' economic hardship, jobs, education funding, disability and the responsibility of those who hold power. Authority, he said, takes on its full meaning when it serves the good of the community, and public officials must act with prudence, acknowledging the limits of their power.

Economy, education, security

He called for attention to households unsure of their future, the unemployed, the elderly and workers struggling to cover their basic needs. The economy, he argued, must serve the person and not the other way around. He also spoke up for universities, vocational training, research and prospects for young people in their own country. On security, he cited organized crime, human trafficking, arms and drug trafficking, and corruption, and said coordination between states and strong institutions were necessary. He mentioned his predecessor Francis and concluded by calling for national unity to be preserved for future generations.

A stop on a twelve-day tour

Argentina is the second stop on a journey that began in Uruguay and is due to end in Peru. Francis, a native of Argentina, never went back during his pontificate, which disappointed many Argentines. According to N Digital, no pope had visited the country since 1987.

According to Escambray, the program includes a meeting with Javier Milei at the Casa Rosada, a speech on social justice, a visit to Claypole, Masses in Córdoba and at the Luján shrine, and then a departure for Lima on Wednesday, November 11. According to Le Monde, the Argentine Church has become a pillar of opposition to the president's ultraliberal policies. The brief reports no reaction from Javier Milei to the speech.