The Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Jorge García Cuerva, asserted that Pope Leo XIV will encounter "a wounded Argentina" during his upcoming apostolic journey, marked by structural poverty and political tensions. The prelate's statements intensify the public debate surrounding the official figures released by the libertarian administration.
The papal visit, scheduled for November 8-11, takes on significant political weight. The archbishop outlined a complex situation that directly contradicts the official narrative on the country's economic performance.
After celebrating Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral, García Cuerva explained that the Pope will observe a country marked by division and institutionalized intolerance. The ecclesiastical authority emphasized that the primary concern lies in the high percentage of citizens experiencing extreme economic vulnerability.
The Church's assessment sparked a heated exchange with the national government. Hours before the archbishop's statements, Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno had dismissed any fundamental disagreements between the Casa Rosada (the presidential palace) and the Catholic hierarchy, arguing that Javier Milei's administration had halved poverty in almost three years.
The recognition of ideological differences
In contrast to the official stance, García Cuerva chose institutional candor, acknowledging the disagreements with the government. The Church leader recognized the government's willingness to seek consensus, but reaffirmed the existence of profound differences that should not be concealed.
The clash of models transcends the economic situation and touches the ideological core of the ruling party. Javier Milei has systematically questioned the concept of social justice, a fundamental pillar of the Catholic Church's social doctrine and the axis of its pastoral preaching aimed at disadvantaged sectors.
The latest official data paints a complicated economic and social picture: activity fell in the second quarter of the year, formal jobs are being destroyed and only precarious jobs are being created, and poverty climbed to 32,3% in the first half of the year, with 1,7 million more poor people than in the second half of 2025.
