Pope Leo XIV continues Argentina visit after meeting Milei and calling for an economy that serves people
The pope arrived in Buenos Aires on Sunday. His Monday schedule includes a visit to a care center in Claypole and a Mass in Palermo.
Pope Leo XIV continues his visit to Argentina on Monday, November 9, after meeting President Javier Milei and addressing officials, civil society representatives and diplomats in Buenos Aires. In his first public speech in the country, the pontiff advocated an economy oriented toward people’s well-being and called for the protection of human dignity and the common good.
The pope arrived Sunday from Uruguay, the first stop on a South American tour that also includes Peru. Milei welcomed him and the two held a private meeting at the Casa Rosada before the gathering at Palacio Libertad, the Holy See said.
Before the president and other attendees, Leo said the economy should serve people. He also stressed the need to care for those living in vulnerable circumstances and spoke about the responsibilities of institutions. His remarks expressed the pontiff’s social vision in a country debating the effects of the government’s economic policies.
Monday’s schedule
The program includes a visit to the Pequeño Cottolengo Don Orione in Claypole, an institution that cares for people with disabilities. Authorities in Buenos Aires province said the journey to the center was scheduled for Monday morning.
A Mass is then scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Argentina time near the Monumento de los Españoles in Buenos Aires’ Palermo neighborhood. The agenda also includes meetings connected with the world of work and with representatives of different religious communities. Times and routes may change during the visit.
The connection to Francis
At Palacio Libertad, Leo recalled his predecessor Francis and his connection to Argentina, where he grew up and spent much of his career before being elected pope. Francis did not return to his native country during his papacy.
Leo’s stay in Argentina is scheduled through November 11, with events also announced in Córdoba and Luján. He will then continue to Peru. The visit combines pastoral meetings with remarks on social issues that are part of Argentina’s public debate.
