Pope Leo XIV calls for national unity and institutional integrity in first address in Argentina

Pope Leo XIV delivered a call for national unity, the preservation of democracy and a renewed commitment to institutional integrity in his inaugural address in Argentina on Sunday.

Speaking before President Javier Milei, his full Cabinet, legislative leaders, provincial governors, Supreme Court justices and the diplomatic corps at the Palacio Libertad in Buenos Aires, the pontiff addressed the nation's profound social and economic challenges with a message of dialogue and reconciliation.

Addressing the audience in Spanish, the Pope emphasized that economic systems must serve humanity.

“The economy should be at the service of the person, and not the person at the service of the economy,” he said.

The pontiff explicitly warned against the corrosive effects of illicit networks and corruption.

“Organized crime, human trafficking networks, the smuggling of arms and drugs as well as corruption damage social coexistence, fuel violence, and divert resources necessary for the common good,” he said.

The pope stressed that combating these realities requires coordinated state action underpinned by institutional strength.

“This strength also depends on the personal integrity of those entrusted with the responsibility to govern, for corruption erodes citizens’ trust in their institutions.”

While avoiding direct political accusations, the pontiff made clear allusions to Argentina's current climate of polarization and the cost of sweeping austerity measures which have impacted retirees, individuals with disabilities, education, culture and scientific research.

Weaving the country's rich cultural tapestry into his remarks, he highlighted Argentina’s history, culture, natural resources and human potential, invoking literary touchstones like Martin Fierro and Jorge Luis Borges alongside the tango and singer, songwriter, composer and actor Carlos Gardel.

Perhaps the most resonant moment of the address, met with widespread applause, focused on the need for accepting others “who think differently.”

“Democracy is also strengthened through our daily conduct in public life: in a willingness to listen, in the careful use of language, in the patient pursuit of consensus, and in the ability to recognize those who think differently as fellow countrymen with whom we share a common destiny.”

The address marked the political climax of a packed first day following the pope's arrival from Uruguay. Earlier engagements included a visit to the Casa Rosada, a private meeting with President Milei, and a ceremony receiving the keys to the City of Buenos Aires.

During his speech, the pope reflected on the personal and spiritual significance of visiting the homeland of his predecessor.

“For twelve years, the universal Church listened to the voice of an Argentine pontiff who carried with him -- in his memory and in his heart -- the places, the people and the faith he received here,” he shared, drawing another wave of unanimous applause when Pope Francis was mentioned.

“Today, as I succeed him in the Petrine ministry, I am, in a sense, retracing his steps in reverse, coming to the homeland where Pope Francis began a story that would eventually become intertwined with that of the entire Church.”