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Pope Leo heads to Milei's Argentina as tensions loom over austerity, Iran
The pope is expected to press for protection of the poor as Milei defends cuts that have reduced inflation but left wages and jobs under pressure.
On Sunday, November 8, 2026, Pope Leo XIV arrived in Buenos Aires for a three-day Argentine tour, meeting President Javier Milei at the Casa Rosada for a formal welcome ceremony aimed at helping mend deep national divisions.
President Milei's austerity measures have slashed social spending since December 2023, affecting public hospitals and pensioners, prompting the Catholic Church to criticize the government for prioritizing fiscal surplus over the needs of the poor.
On Monday, November 9, Leo will visit the Cottolengo Don Orione facility, a care center housing 410 residents with disabilities, drawing attention to the tangible impact of government spending cuts on vulnerable populations.
In his first address, the pope called for the defense of democracy and a 'careful use of words,' urging leaders to acknowledge the limits of power, a message that contrasts sharply with Milei's combative political rhetoric.
The tour marks the first papal visit to Argentina in nearly 40 years, ending the long absence of Pope Francis, and positions Leo as a potential mediator in a country bitterly divided over Milei's economic policies.