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Argentina

Pope Leo XIV urges Argentina to protect the vulnerable as Milei defends austerity

The papal critique of spending cuts sharpens a fight over disability funding and the 2027 budget that now moves to Congress, a key test for fiscal policy.

Photo: The Rio Times

What happened

Pope Leo XIV said Argentina's economy must benefit everyone, including the poor, in remarks that critics read as a rebuke to President Javier Milei's austerity measures. BBC+1 The Pope urged particular concern for those affected by illness, dependency and disability, a reference that was widely understood as a veiled criticism of government cuts to disability assistance. BBC Milei responded that his government was working to avoid punishing the Argentines of tomorrow to benefit the Argentines of today, and said the political debate lacked intellectual honesty. BBC+1 On Wednesday, presidential spokesman Adrian Ravier said the ideas of liberty are compatible with Catholic ideas, as the government defended its economic plan. The Rio Times

Around it

The Vatican estimated that about 2.5 million people attended the Mass in Buenos Aires, the largest crowd of the Pope's papacy. AP News+1 Argentina's Congress overrode a Milei veto last year to pass a law increasing funding for disability care, but the administration has resisted implementation, citing concerns about fiscal balance. AP News Official INDEC figures cited by a news service show lower annual inflation and a budget surplus, while the spending cuts have prompted protests over pensions, disability assistance and university funding. NetNewsLedger S&P Global Ratings raised Argentina to B- from CCC+ on June 10, 2026, with a stable outlook. The Rio Times

What comes next

The Senate is due to consider legislation that would set aside money for disability benefits in next year's budget, and Milei opposes the measure. AP News The government's 2027 budget and a dispute over university funding are due to reach Congress. The Rio Times

Sources

  1. The Rio TimesArgentina Keeps Austerity After Pope's Visit
  2. Blue DollarMilei Defends Fiscal Reforms and Rebuffs Papal Critique on Dialogue
  3. AP NewsPope draws 2.5 million to Mass in Argentina and tells people with disabilities they are a blessing
  4. NetNewsLedgerNetNewsLedger, Pope Leo Challenges Milei’s Austerity Priorities in Argentina
  5. BBCPope Leo gives veiled rebuke Argentine leader Milei's austerity measures
  6. KOB 4Pope urges Argentina to protect the vulnerable from Milei's austerity measures

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