Pope Leo Presses Javier Milei
Pope Leo met Argentina’s president and challenged his austerity agenda and use of power.
November 8, 2026 · Updated 8:16pm ET
CNNPope Leo urges President Milei, a Trump ally, to ‘safeguard democracy’ on arrival in Argentina
UPIPope Leo urges Argentine political leaders to 'safeguard democracy'
PBS NewsHourPope Leo arrives in Argentina and tells Milei that people, not the economy, should come first
BloombergPope Urges Latin American Unity After Milei Ignores Lula’s Win
Al JazeeraPresident Milei welcomes Pope Leo during historic visit to Argentina
Religion News ServiceArgentina's Milei embraces Pope Leo XIV, who pushes him on austerity
Boston GlobeIn Argentina, Pope Leo greets Church at odds with President Milei
USA TODAYPope Leo tells Javier Milei to acknowledge 'limits' of power in Argentina
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Pano rates the coverage Mostly Left.
What happened
- Pope Leo XIV
Leo XIV267th Pope of the Catholic Church (2025–) urged Argentine President Javier Milei
Javier Mileieconomist, politician and president of Argentina since 2023 and other leaders to safeguard democracy and put people’s needs first in Buenos Aires on Sunday. - Leo met privately with Milei before delivering his first public address during Argentina’s first papal visit since 1987.
- Amid tensions over Milei’s cuts to social services, Leo urged leaders to support unemployed people, retirees and workers struggling to meet household needs.
- Milei struck a conciliatory tone, saying his economic decisions aimed to benefit society as a whole, both now and in the future.
- Leo’s visit continues through Wednesday, with plans for large Masses, meetings with union and business leaders, and visits to a prison and a home for people with disabilities affected by budget cuts.
How the left told it
Left-leaning outlets framed Leo’s appeals as a challenge to Milei’s governing agenda amid tensions with the Church. PBS NewsHour called the speech a “diplomatic but subtly strong critique” of his austerity policies; Al Jazeera highlighted its counter to his free-market agenda, while CNN emphasized the call to safeguard democracy.
How the right told it
Right-leaning outlets we track didn't cover this story.
Pope Leo Latin America Tour
Part of the storyline · Storyline →- Nov 8Pope Leo Presses Javier Milei (this story)Mostly Left
- Nov 7Pope Leo Urges Uruguay CatholicsBalanced
- Nov 6Pope Leo Begins Latin America TourBalanced
