️🇻🇦🇦🇷 - Pope Leo XIV arrived in Argentina on Sunday for the second leg of his 12-day tour of South America, with a speech close to President Javier Maile expected to highlight tensions over austerity policies and the Iran war, Reuters.
️ The Vatican criticized Miley's economic measures for disproportionately affecting the poorest, while Argentina's president strongly supported the war on Iran, which Leo condemned. Although the pope is not expected to criticize Miley directly, his comments on poverty, economic inequality and political conflict will be closely scrutinized.
️ Miley, who took office in 2023 and promised deep cuts in public spending, defended austerity as needed to control inflation, which fell from more than 200% to 33% a year. However, his popularity has declined amid subsidy cuts, public sector layoffs and business closures. ️ Leo's visit includes four cities and stops at a prison and a center for the treatment of the disabled, highlighting groups affected by economic hardship. The visit is particularly significant for the center because cuts have reduced disability benefits while poverty remains widespread.
️ The trip marks the first visit of a Pope to Argentina since 1987. Leo is expected to wrap up the visit on Wednesday before continuing his South American tour, which ends on November 17.