Pope Leo Arrives in Buenos Aires and Urges Milei to Safeguard Democracy

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Buenos Aires on Sunday and used his first speech in Argentina to urge President Javier Milei and the country's leaders to safeguard democracy and put the economy at the service of the people.

Leo landed in Argentina after the Uruguay leg of his tour and met Milei in private shortly after arriving. He then spoke at the Palacio Libertad to politicians, civic leaders and members of the diplomatic corps. It is the first papal visit to Argentina in nearly 40 years.

Democracy as part of the national heritage

Leo told the audience that democracy belongs to Argentina's heritage and has to be protected. "Democracy, then, is also a part of Argentina's heritage that needs to be safeguarded," he said.

He pointed to a willingness to listen, a careful use of words, a patient search for agreement, the freedom to elect leaders through the ballot box, confidence in the law and limits on power. "Authority is most authentic when it is exercised as service," he said.

A direct word on the economy

Leo also delivered a critique of Milei's austerity measures and insisted that growth has to benefit everyone. "The economy must be at the service of the people, rather than people being at the service of the economy," he said.

He defended the poor, pensioners and disability assistance. Milei officials had dismissed the prospect of a political clash ahead of the visit, and the meeting between the two men went ahead in private before the speech.

A visit Francis never made

The Argentina stop runs from November 8 to 11 and is the second leg of a 12 day South America tour. Millions of people are expected at services during the visit. The itinerary includes a federal prison in Buenos Aires and a care centre in Claypole for people with intellectual and physical disabilities who have been affected by Milei's cuts. Mayor Jorge Macri presented Leo with the keys to the city.

Pope Francis, who was born in Buenos Aires, never returned to Argentina during his 12 year papacy, which gives this visit added weight for Argentine Catholics. Leo and Milei previously met at the Vatican in June 2025.

Argentina is the second country on the tour, after Uruguay and before Peru, and the Buenos Aires days are expected to draw the largest crowds of the trip.