Pope urges protection for Argentina’s poor as Milei defends spending cuts

According to the BBC’s November 9, 2026 report, Pope Leo XIV called for Argentina’s economy to serve the whole population, including its poorest citizens, on arriving in Buenos Aires. His remarks were presented as an indirect criticism of President Javier Milei’s spending cuts, particularly reductions in disability assistance.

Milei defended his approach, arguing that helping Argentines today should not come at the expense of future generations. The Pope also urged restraint in the exercise of authority, attentive listening and responsible language. Argentina was the second destination on his reported 12-day Latin American tour.

The report places the visit against tensions between Milei’s public-spending agenda and a Catholic Church that has criticised its impact on the poorest. Disability assistance was a particular point of contention. However, the article provides no figures measuring the cuts or their effects on household finances.