Pope Leo urges democratic care and people-centered economy in Argentina

Pope Leo XIV urged political leaders to protect democratic life and put people at the center of economic decisions in an address in Buenos Aires on November 8, after arriving in Argentina.

Leo told officials, diplomats and civic representatives that economic activity should serve people. He encouraged private initiative and opportunities while arguing that growth should also benefit people facing disadvantage, the Associated Press reported.

The pope also called for investment in education, vocational training, universities and research as a way to give young people a future, according to AP.

CNN reported that Leo connected democracy to listening, careful language and the patient search for agreement. At the gathering at Palacio Libertad, he urged people in authority to act prudently and recognize the limits of their power. The audience applauded during his remarks on the exercise of authority, CNN reported.

President Javier Milei welcomed Leo and said some causes and occasions transcend differences, AP reported. In his welcome, Milei addressed politicians, diplomats and civil society representatives from across Argentina’s political spectrum.