Pope Leo heads to Milei's Argentina: Austerity, poverty and Iran war in focus

Pope Leo will arrive in Argentina on Sunday for the second leg of his 12-day South American tour, with his planned address and meeting with President Javier Milei drawing attention amid differences between the Vatican and the Argentine government.The first US-born pope is expected to speak about issues including poverty, economic policy and political divisions. His remarks will be closely watched for possible indirect criticism of Milei, a libertarian leader and close ally of US President Donald Trump, Reuters reported.The Vatican has criticised aspects of Milei's austerity programme, saying spending cuts have hit the poorest sections of society hardest. Milei has also strongly supported the Iran war, which Leo has criticised, drawing Trump's ire.Leo is visiting Argentina after travelling to Uruguay, where he called on South American countries to work together on regional challenges and show how patient diplomacy can offer an alternative to conflict. His three-country tour will continue until November 17.The 71-year-old pontiff's visit is among the most closely watched foreign trips by a Catholic leader in recent decades. He is also the first pope to visit Argentina since 1987. During his stay until Wednesday, he is scheduled to visit four cities, Reuters reported.Why is Pope Leo's Argentina visit significant?Leo usually uses careful diplomatic language when addressing national governments during foreign visits. However, he has recently become a more outspoken voice on global issues, criticising the direction of world leadership.He is not expected to name Milei directly. However, any remarks on poverty, economic policy or political rhetoric could be interpreted as a response to the Argentine government's policies."Any interventions by Leo, particularly on poverty, the limits of markets or confrontational political rhetoric, could be read as implicit criticism of Milei and amplify existing opposition to the government's approach," Nicolas Watson, managing director at advisory firm Teneo, told Reuters.Milei came to power in 2023 after years of centre-left Peronist rule. During his campaign, he famously carried a chainsaw to symbolise his pledge to make deep cuts in government spending and put the country's finances in order.He has defended the austerity measures as necessary to control inflation. Annual inflation has fallen from more than 200% to 33% under his economic programme.However, surveys indicate that his popularity has declined ahead of elections next year. Argentines continue to face the effects of subsidy cuts, public-sector job losses and business closures, which have put pressure on household budgets.Leo's visit is expected to draw attention to people affected by economic hardship and social exclusion. His itinerary also includes visits to a care centre for people with disabilities and a prison.During his 18 months as pope, Leo has spoken out on the risks of artificial intelligence, urged world leaders to treat migrants more humanely and called for stronger action on climate change. These positions have put him at odds with Trump and other right-wing leaders.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.