Pope Leo XIV has called on world leaders to recognise the boundaries of their power, insisting that political authority must be exercised in the service of citizens and the broader public good. The Pope made the remarks on Sunday, November 8, during an address alongside Argentine President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires, marking the start of a three-day visit to the South American nation.
'Authority is most authentic when it is exercised as service,' Leo said, urging leaders to act responsibly and ensure that their decisions benefit the entire community. He stressed that those in positions of authority have a duty to acknowledge the limits of their powers and prioritise the welfare of citizens above all else.
The Pope also urged Argentina to safeguard its democratic institutions, emphasising the need to respect differing political opinions, uphold the rule of law, and promote national unity. His remarks came at a time when Milei's austerity policies have drawn criticism from the Catholic Church, which argues that the measures disproportionately harm poorer segments of society.
Milei, who is close to United States President Donald Trump, defended his economic agenda, insisting that individual freedoms and private property remain central to Argentina's democratic framework. The visit marks the first papal trip to Argentina since 1987 and forms part of Leo's wider twelve-day tour of South America.
The Pope's message reflects a broader concern about the responsible use of political power across the globe, with particular attention to how leaders balance authority with accountability to the people they serve.