Pope challenges Milei's economic model
Pope Leo XIV concluded a four-day pastoral visit to Argentina on Wednesday, drawing a crowd of six million people while delivering addresses that directly challenged the libertarian economic model of President Javier Milei. German media outlets including Die Zeit highlighted the pontiff’s assertion that the economy must serve human beings rather than forcing humans to serve the economy.
During a joint appearance at the Palacio Libertad, Milei avoided direct engagement with the papal remarks, stating to Clarin.com that he refused to reduce the visit to the level of low-level local politics. Presidential spokesperson Adrián Ravier defended the government’s record in a press conference reported by El Comercio Perú, stating that the administration has actively utilized economic policy to serve people since taking office in December 2023. Ravier said that the executive branch takes note of the message while maintaining that market economics and Catholic social doctrine do not conflict.
Disability Emergency Law and Social Policy Debates
The Chamber of Deputies previously approved an emergency law for individuals with disabilities, which Milei vetoed before both legislative houses overrode the veto. Addressing attendees at a social center, Leo XIV emphasized that national progress is measured by the inclusion of people with special needs.
“Quien tiene poder, tiene también el deber de actuar con prudencia, de reconocer los límites del poder que se le ha confiado y de orientar sus decisiones hacia el bien de toda la comunidad,” said Pope Leo XIV, according to Die Welt. Santiago Santurio defended the administration’s approach to the visit, telling infobae that it was crucial for political actors to remain silent and simply listen to the papal message.
Questions About Political Silence and Economic Reality
Since late 2023, data reported by El Comercio Perú indicates that 32,290 businesses have closed and 437,611 formal jobs have been lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people attended the papal visit in Argentina?
Presidential spokesperson Adrián Ravier said that approximately six million people participated in the various events throughout the four-day pastoral tour.
What was Javier Milei’s official response to the Pope’s economic remarks?
President Milei declined to debate the pontiff’s statements publicly, telling Clarin.com that he preferred not to drag the Santo Padre into low-level local political disputes.
How has the current administration defended its economic policies following the visit?
In a press briefing covered by El Comercio Perú, Adrián Ravier asserted that all actions taken since December 2023 aim to put the economy at the service of individuals and that market policies align with social welfare goals.
What specific social issue was highlighted during the pope’s center visit?
Leo XIV emphasized the treatment of individuals with disabilities, a topic tied to the 2025 legislative override of a presidential veto on disability emergency funding.
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