Pope Leo visits Argentina to urge democratic care

Pope Leo XIV has called on Argentine President Javier Milei and other political leaders to protect the nation's democratic institutions. The instruction came during the pope's first address in Buenos Aires, where he urged officials to exercise restraint in their public communications.

The visit marks the start of a four-day trip that concludes on November 11. This is the first papal visit to Argentina in nearly forty years. It also completes a journey that Pope Francis, the first Argentine pontiff, never undertook during his twelve-year tenure.

Leo arrived on Sunday and held a private meeting with Milei shortly after landing. The two leaders have a complex history. Milei, who has received strong backing from US President Donald Trump, previously clashed with Leo on issues such as migrant treatment and the war in Iran. The two met at the Vatican in June 2025.

The timing of the visit coincides with a period of political tension in Argentina. Milei has implemented aggressive austerity measures that have reduced welfare spending. He has faced criticism for comparing state-led social programs to communism and for his rhetorical attacks on the press. Securing bipartisan agreements has proven difficult for his administration.

Speaking at the Palacio Libertad to a group of politicians, civic leaders, and diplomats, Leo emphasized the value of democratic heritage. "Democracy, then, is also a part of Argentina’s heritage that needs to be safeguarded," he said. He defined this safeguarding as a daily practice involving listening, careful speech, and the patient search for agreement.

The Chicago-born pope, who recently cast a mail-in ballot in the US mid-term elections, highlighted the importance of the ballot box. He argued that democracy is protected by confidence in the law and the ability of institutions to serve all parties. "Authority is most authentic when it is exercised as service," he stated, noting that leaders must look beyond immediate gains to promote the welfare of all.

An eruption of applause interrupted the address, forcing the pope to repeat his next point. "Those who exercise authority have a duty to act with prudence, to acknowledge the limits of the power entrusted to them," he said.

Leo's itinerary includes a visit to a federal prison in Buenos Aires and a stop at a care center in Claypole. The Claypole center serves people with intellectual and physical disabilities and has been impacted by Milei's budget cuts. Millions of people are expected to attend the various services during the stay.

The relationship between the Milei administration and the Vatican has seen recent shifts. During his campaign, Milei used harsh language to describe Francis, calling him an "imbecile" and a "sh*t of a pope." He later apologized and referred to Francis as the most important Argentine in history. In February 2024, Francis and Milei met in the Vatican, where the pope joked about the president's unruly hairstyle.

Following his arrival, Mayor Jorge Macri presented Leo with the keys to the city of Buenos Aires. The visit represents the second leg of the pope's twelve-day tour of South America.