Pope Leo in Argentina: 'Leaders must know the limits of their power'

Buenos Aires: In a closely watched address on Sunday in the presence of Argentine President Javier Milei, Pope Leo stressed that leaders must know the limits of their power and act for the good of all citizens. The second leg of the Catholic leader's 12-day South American tour, it is the first papal visit to Argentina since 1987.

"Power is most authentic when it is used as service," the Pope said; the applause from the crowd gathered at the Palacio Libertad cultural centre was so loud he had to repeat his words. The Church has criticised the austerity economic policies of Milei, who says he will seek re-election next year, as hitting the poor hardest.

"Democracy is a part of Argentina's heritage that must be protected," he said, adding that learning to live with differing opinions and keeping faith in the rule of law are essential to democracy. The first pope born in the United States, he angered US President Donald Trump earlier this year by condemning the Iran war, and last week became the first Catholic leader to cast a mail-in ballot in a US midterm election.

Without naming Milei directly, the Pope stressed that economic stimulus measures must not target the poor and that growth must benefit the disadvantaged too. Technological progress must be joined by "ethical consciousness," he said, repeating his warning that artificial intelligence could lead the world down a path of endless war - a remark touching Milei's ambition to make Argentina a key location for data centres.

The 71-year-old pope, who underwent lung cancer surgery less than a month ago, visits four cities through Wednesday; the tour covers 50 events in three countries - Uruguay first, then Peru - through November 17. Argentine officials estimate around 7 million people will see him in person.