Pope Leo XIV used his first visit to Argentina to challenge the austerity agenda of President Javier Meilles, calling for economic policies that put workers, the poor and vulnerable communities ahead of private interests, according to the AP.
￭ Addressing labor and business leaders at the Catholic University of Argentina, the Pope defended trade unions, informal workers and grassroots movements, declaring unions "necessary institutions when they protect those who have no voice."
￭ He warned that depriving people of work diminishes their dignity and feeds social exclusion, adding that workers should not be valued only because of their output.
￭ His visit began at a nursing home for the disabled that houses more than 400 people, which is struggling with cuts in government funding despite legislation returning funding to care for the disabled.