Pope delivers veiled rebuke of Milei's austerity measures

In what appeared to be a rebuke of Milei's combative style and language, the Pope said strengthening democracy required a "willingness to listen" and the "careful use of words".

Milei had been particularly outspoken about Leo's predecessor Pope Francis, whom he called "evil on earth" and a "communist" for promoting a doctrine of social justice to help the poor.

On Sunday, however, Milei struck a conciliatory tone, calling Francis an "exceptional figure" and "undoubtedly the most important Argentine in history".

He was also keen to welcome the current Pope earlier, writing in a post on X that Argentina awaits "with immense joy".