Thousands of faithful gathered in Liniers as the doors of the sanctuary opened at midnight on Friday for the annual celebration of San Cayetano, while social organizations marched toward Plaza de Mayo.
Homily and Social Critiques by Archbishop García Cuerva
During his homilía at the San Cayetano sanctuary, Archbishop of Buenos Aires Monseñor Jorge Ignacio García Cuerva stated that the population is “tired of unfulfilled promises and leaders who talk about the poor, but are not close to their needs and live the good life.” According to the archbishop, economic freedom “cannot be absolute” and must be measured by the common good, citing teachings attributed to Pope Leo XIV. García Cuerva described Argentine society using images of paralysis, wounds, blindness, and muteness, arguing that workers are forced to hold multiple jobs to survive while prices for public transport, utility tariffs, rent, and food continue to rise. He specifically warned that wages do not stretch far enough and that “brothers are scavenging in the garbage to eat.”
Pablo Moyano and Trade Union Mobilizations
While marching toward Plaza de Mayo alongside columns from the Unión de Trabajadores de la Economía Popular (UTEP) and the Confederación General del Trabajo (CGT), union leader Pablo Moyano denounced the government’s economic model. According to Moyano, the mobilization served to repudiate a model that harms millions of Argentines and celebrated the recent legislative defeat of the Ley de Tierras, which he characterized as an attempt to sell national territory to foreign companies. Moyano also criticized Ministro de Desregulación y Transformación del Estado de la Nación Federico Sturzenegger over the fallen legislation, using a well-known football-related phrase originally directed by Diego Maradona at journalist Juan Carlos «Toti» Pasman on October 14, 2009. The central union acto at Plaza de Mayo was scheduled for 13:00.
Did You Know? The traditional pilgrimage to San Cayetano centers on requests for “paz, pan y trabajo” (peace, bread, and work), drawing thousands of believers to the basilica in Liniers for overnight vigils, tool blessings, and mass.
Declarations by Juan Grabois and Economic Hardship
National Deputy Juan Grabois joined the demonstrations, stating that the national government is pushing “a plan of destruction and planned misery.” According to Grabois, nearly one million workers in the popular economy—such as those operating community soup kitchens, sewing workshops, and recycling centers—recently lost a salary supplement of $78.000. Grabois emphasized that while all workers face severe economic strain, the informal economy bears the heaviest burden. Meanwhile, pilgrims interviewed at the shrine shared personal accounts of enduring hardship, raising large families, and maintaining hope for health, employment, and the upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV to Argentina in November.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the San Cayetano celebration?
San Cayetano is venerated as the patron saint of bread and work.
What did Archbishop García Cuerva say about the government?
In an indirect message to the administration of Javier Milei, Archbishop García Cuerva criticized leaders who talk about the poor without addressing their needs, stated that economic freedom cannot be absolute, and warned that workers are overwhelmed by inflation, low wages, and debt.
Why were social organizations marching to Plaza de Mayo?
Led by groups like UTEP and the CGT, demonstrators marched to Plaza de Mayo to demand peace, bread, land, housing, and work, while celebrating the legislative defeat of the Ley de Tierras and protesting current economic policies.
How do you view the role of religious leaders in voicing public discontent during economic crises?
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