Pope Leo urges Argentine leaders to 'safeguard democracy'

Pope Leo XIV urged Argentine President Javier Milei and the country's political leadership to "safeguard democracy" and make "careful use of words," UPI reported on Nov. 8.

The pope arrived in Buenos Aires on Sunday for a three-day visit. His predecessor, Francis, the first pope from Argentina, was unable to make such a visit. It is the first papal visit to the country since John Paul II in 1987. Leo met Milei shortly after arriving.

Milei is an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, with whom Leo has disagreed, notably on the treatment of migrants and the war with Iran. UPI notes that Milei has made "chainsaw" austerity cuts to welfare spending and has equated government-led social justice programs with communism. He has also been accused of undermining democracy through attacks on the press and divisive remarks.

Speaking at the Palacio Libertad to politicians, members of civic society and the diplomatic corps, Leo said democracy is part of Argentina's heritage and is strengthened by willingness to listen, careful use of words, the search for agreement and seeing those who think differently as fellow citizens. He highlighted the "freedom to elect one's own leaders through the ballot box" and said those in authority have a duty to act with prudence and acknowledge the limits of their power.

Argentina is the second leg of Leo's 12-day tour. His itinerary includes a prison in Buenos Aires and a care center for people with intellectual and physical disabilities that has been affected by Milei's austerity cuts. The source reports no response from Milei's government.