Heraldo de Madrid - Pope Leo XIV Visits Argentina, Urges Economy Serve People

Pope Leo XIV has begun a historic four-day visit to Argentina, becoming the first leader of the Catholic Church to travel to the country since 1987. The pontiff’s arrival in Buenos Aires was marked by official ceremonies and public appearances, culminating in a speech at Palacio Libertad where he addressed economic philosophy, technology, and democratic values.

Leo landed at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport on Sunday afternoon at 4:33 p.m., arriving from Montevideo, Uruguay. The aircraft displayed flags of Argentina and the Vatican above the pilot’s windows, along with a sign reading “Pontifex Maximus.” Upon disembarking, the pope wore a red mozzetta over his traditional white cassock and was greeted on the runway by President Javier Milei. The two leaders listened to the national anthems of Argentina and the Vatican before walking a red carpet.

They were joined by Presidency Secretary Karina Milei, Papal Nuncio in Argentina Monsignor Michael Wallace Banach, and senior Argentine Catholic Church authorities, including Buenos Aires Archbishop Jorge García Cuerva. Large crowds had gathered outside the airport and along the route of the presidential caravan, which traveled through Avenida Alem escorted by the Regimiento Granaderos a Caballo military unit playing instruments on horseback.

The pontiff’s first official stop was Plaza San Martín in the Retiro neighborhood, where he paid respects at the monument to Argentine national hero José de San Martín. He was accompanied by Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno and observed a moment of silence before the monument while thousands of spectators watched from the square. The atmosphere was described as celebratory by attendees, with some chanting the pope’s name and others expressing hope that the visit would remind the country of values such as solidarity and compassion.

Following the ceremony at Plaza San Martín, Leo proceeded to Casa Rosada, the presidential palace, for a private meeting with President Milei. The perimeter around the palace and the adjacent Plaza de Mayo was heavily secured with fences, leading to frustration among some members of the public who were unable to approach the building. Police opened one gate to allow closer access, though many remained separated from the site. Leo did not greet the crowds from the balcony, a custom for important visitors.

Inside Casa Rosada, the pope was received by numerous government officials, including Lower House head Marín Menem, Interior Minister Diego Santilli, Economy Minister Luis Caputo, and Human Capital Minister Sandra Petovello. The private meeting concluded at 6:30 p.m., after which Leo traveled to Palacio Libertad for his third commitment of the day.

At Palacio Libertad, a venue for meetings with government authorities and diplomats, President Milei spoke first. He honored Pope Francis, describing him as “the most important Argentine in history” and an exceptional figure who inspired people regardless of faith. Milei emphasized Argentina’s Catholic roots and asked the pope to pray for the nation.

Pope Leo followed with a 20-minute address that also began by remembering Pope Francis. He noted that for 12 years, the Church listened to the voice of an Argentine who carried teachings received in his place of origin. The pontiff then addressed a broad range of topics, including technology, climate change, democracy, and Argentine culture.

A central theme of the speech was the relationship between economic policy and human welfare. Leo stated that when opportunities arise to stimulate private initiatives, growth should be allowed to reach those in greater difficulties, specifically citing the elderly, the unemployed, and those struggling to make ends meet despite having jobs.

“The economy must be at the service of people, and not people at the service of the economy,” Leo said.

The visit continues on Monday with a scheduled stop at the Pequeño Cottolengo Argentino Don Orione, a residential home for people with intellectual disabilities. Following that, the pontiff is expected to preside over a mass at the Monumento de los Españoles in Palermo, where thousands are anticipated to attend.

The presence of Pope Leo XIV in Argentina has drawn significant public attention and media coverage, reflecting the enduring influence of the Catholic Church in the country. The visit underscores diplomatic ties between the Holy See and Argentina while highlighting ongoing discussions about economic policy and social welfare within the nation.

K.Bravo--HdM