Pope Leo XIV calls for more consideration for the weak in Argentina

Start of the visit to Argentina Pope Leo calls for more consideration for the weak Status: November 9th, 2026 • 01:43 a.m

At the beginning of his visit to Argentina, Pope Leo XIV criticized President Milei's "chainsaw policy" and called for more consideration. No pope has been a guest in the South American country for almost four decades.

At the start of a visit to Argentina, Pope Leo XIV warned that poor and weak groups in society should be given more consideration. "At home we are taught to care for the weak, to forgive, to share and to assist those who need help," said the head of the Catholic Church. This also applies to society as a whole.

He also criticized President Javier Milei's "chainsaw policy." In his speech he countered Milei's libertarian ideas with principles of Catholic social teaching. The market radical Milei has been president of Argentina since 2023.

He was elected with the promise of “chainsaw politics”. Inflation has fallen massively since then. However, there is a lot of criticism about the social hardships that come with it. According to official statistics, a third of the population in the country of 46 million people is considered poor. Argentina is also suffering from a wave of emigration.

After the start in Uruguay, the pontiff is expected in Argentina in the evening. more

As was recently the case in Uruguay, the Pope also called for greater protection for unborn children. In Argentina, a time limit has been in effect since 2021 that allows abortions up to the 14th week without giving reasons - even for minors. The law is under pressure from the Mileis government.

Leo is staying in Argentina until Wednesday as part of a trip to South America. The last visit by a pope was almost four decades ago: John Paul II traveled there in 1987.

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