Buenos AiresPope Leo lands where 32.3% of Argentines live in poverty.
The Catholic Church has criticised President Javier Milei’s austerity, which cut health spending 48% in real terms.
Official data put first-half 2026 poverty at 15 million people, as Milei cuts social spending to reach a budget surplus.
“The pope belongs to all Argentines,” said Karina Milei, the president’s sister, who calls the visit purely religious.
Leo meets Milei, visits a prison, then leaves for Peru on Wednesday.
How each outlet framed it
drawn from 150+ reports worldwide
- South China Morning Post
- foregrounds the Church's sharp criticism of Milei's austerity and frames Uruguay's secular history as the backdrop to the visit
- Reuters
- centres the Francis-versus-Leo legacy question through Buenos Aires residents who regret Francis never returned and say locals will welcome Leo, but not with the same affection
- GMA Network
Sources: South China Morning Post, Reuters, GMA Network