2LT International News

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina: The Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Jorge García Cuerva, used a major religious event over the weekend to criticize Argentine President Javier Milei’s policies, especially those related to poverty and the treatment of pensioners.

The speech took place during the Te Deum ceremony, a traditional religious service held each year to mark the anniversary of Argentina’s May Revolution of 1810. President Milei, a libertarian, and members of his cabinet were in attendance at the Buenos Aires Cathedral when the archbishop delivered his message.

García Cuerva said that in Argentina, important values such as kindness, respect, and solidarity are “dying.” He warned that the country is suffering deeply, with many people feeling excluded and left behind. “Our country is bleeding,” he said. “So many brothers and sisters suffer from marginalization and exclusion.”

He called on the government and society to support the poor, protect young people caught in drug violence, and give special attention to pensioners. “Retirees deserve a dignified life with access to medicine and food,” he said. “This is a long-standing problem, and we must find a way to heal this wound soon.”

Since taking office at the end of 2023, President Milei has introduced significant cuts to public spending in an effort to address Argentina’s ongoing economic crisis. These cuts have badly affected pensioners, who now protest every Wednesday in the streets. Many of these protests have faced a heavy police response.

The archbishop also criticized the growing use of harsh and hateful language in politics and online spaces. He said that insults, aggression, and public shaming have become too familiar. “We have crossed all boundaries,” García Cuerva said. “Disrespect, mistreatment, and defamation seem to be part of everyday life.”

While the archbishop spoke, President Milei was seen listening with a stern, serious expression. Milei’s administration often uses social media to mock or attack its critics—including politicians, economists, and journalists—sometimes calling them “baboons,” “degenerates,” “underachievers,” or worse.

García Cuerva’s message stood as a strong moral call to focus on unity, compassion, and the dignity of every Argentine citizen.