Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit Argentina in November, a trip many Argentines are receiving as a potential sign of hope amid severe economic challenges.
This papal visit, the first to the South American nation in nearly four decades, comes at a time when the Argentine Catholic Church has expressed concern over the worsening living conditions for marginalized populations under President Javier Milei's austerity measures. Since taking office in December 2023, Milei's administration has worked to curb inflation and reduce the fiscal deficit, but these efforts have come at a significant social cost.
Millions of Argentines have reportedly fallen into debt to cope with declining wages and pensions, coupled with increased costs for public transportation, utilities, rent, and food. Devotees gathered at the Parish of Saint Cajetan in Buenos Aires on Aug. 7, a traditional day to pray for work, expressing hopes for the Pope's intercession.
"I hope the Pope comes to help the poor like me," said María Ruíz Díaz, a 70-year-old retiree. Santiago Olave, 60, among dozens of devotees, added, "The country is going through a difficult time; there are many brothers and sisters in need. The Pope can open hearts and minds."
President Milei has defended his economic policies, stating he will not resort to populism. Coinciding with the Pope's visit announcement, the Parish of Saint Cajetan placed a cardboard cutout near the saint's image, depicting the Pope alongside figures representing vulnerable sectors affected by budget cuts. These sectors include health, education, and welfare programs.
Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Monsignor Jorge García Cuerva, who led a Mass on Friday, stated, "With Pope Leo XIV, we say that economic freedom cannot be absolute and must always be measured in terms of the common good and the dignity of each person."
Pope Leo XIV's tour will include visits to Argentina, Uruguay, and Peru from November 8-11. Specific activities have not yet been announced. In Argentina, the pontiff is slated to visit the shrine of Our Lady of Lujan and the province of Cordoba. The Vatican confirmed these details. This visit is particularly notable given Pope Leo XIV's extensive past in Peru, where he served as a missionary and bishop for decades and holds citizenship. He also served as bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023.
The last papal visit to Argentina was by Pope John Paul II in April 1987. Pope Francis, who is from Argentina, has not returned to his native country since becoming pope in 2013.