--- title: Pope Leo XIV visits Argentina, urges protection of democracy and economy serving humanity url: https://www.faithfulnews.com/en/pope-leo-xiv-visits-argentina-urges-protection-of-democracy-and-economy-serving-humanity published: 2026-11-12T14:49:26+00:00 language: en section: World Church source: https://www.vaticannews.va/ko/pope/news/2026-11/papa-viaggio-americalatina9.html publisher: FaithfulNews --- # Pope Leo XIV visits Argentina, urges protection of democracy and economy serving humanity Pope Leo XIV arrived in Argentina on November 8 as part of an apostolic journey through Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to 17. Speaking at the Palacio Libertad Domingo Faustino Sarmiento Cultural Center in Buenos Aires to national authorities, civil society representatives, and diplomats, the pontiff emphasized the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions and ensuring economic systems serve human needs rather than the reverse. The pope reflected on Argentina's cultural heritage, noting how the nation has developed a distinctive voice expressed through literature, tango, music, and daily customs such as sharing mate tea. He described these cultural expressions as manifestations of a shared collective memory rooted in Christian faith that has deeply influenced the nation's identity across generations. Addressing public officials directly, Pope Leo XIV stressed that authority must be exercised as service, looking beyond immediate circumstances to serve the common good. He emphasized that those in power bear a special responsibility to act prudently, recognize the limits of their authority, and ensure their decisions benefit the entire community. The pope highlighted the family as a fundamental social unit where individuals learn responsibility toward others, care for the vulnerable, forgiveness, and sharing. He stressed that the ability to earn a living through labor is essential for families to function and for individuals to develop their capabilities and contribute to building the nation. Economic policy must create new opportunities, encourage private initiative, and ensure growth benefits reach those facing greater hardship, the pope stated. He expressed particular concern for families bearing uncertainty, job seekers, elderly citizens who have contributed to society, and working people struggling to meet family needs. The pope declared that the economy must serve humanity, not the reverse. Young people require special attention, Pope Leo XIV argued, as their opportunities today will determine whether they can plan and build their lives in Argentina tomorrow. He warned that if young people must leave their homeland to pursue their dreams, the nation must seriously examine where it has failed. Strengthening education, vocational training, university studies, and academic research are essential to creating conditions where young people can freely envision their futures in Argentina. The pope also addressed responsibility toward future generations, stating that respect for human dignity must begin from the first moment of life and extend through natural death. This includes special care and consideration for those experiencing illness, dependence, or disability. He connected human responsibility to stewardship of Earth, noting that Argentina has been blessed with abundant natural resources. True human-centered ecology must unite care for creation with care for people, ensuring resource development serves community welfare and preserves environments enabling life and work. Technological advancement, particularly artificial intelligence, requires ethical conscience proportionate to its challenges, the pope stated. Rapid technological development opens possibilities previously unimaginable in medicine, education, production, and research, but those applying these technologies bear responsibility for considering consequences and determining how they will be used. Pope Leo XIV emphasized that Argentina's future cannot be considered in isolation. He called for strengthened cooperation among South American nations sharing historical bonds and cultural traditions, noting that organized crime, human trafficking networks, weapons and drug trafficking, and corruption threaten social coexistence and undermine the common good. Addressing these serious threats requires coordination among nations. ## This story in other languages - [Svenska](https://www.faithfulnews.com/sv/paven-i-argentina-demokrati-och-ekonomi-maste-tjana-manniskan) - [Polski](https://www.faithfulnews.com/pl/papiez-leo-xiv-odwiedza-argentyne-wzywa-do-ochrony-demokracji-i-sluzby-gospodarki-czlowiekowi)