Pope Leo XIV, who recently recovered from lung cancer surgery, has delivered a diplomatic yet pointed critique of Argentina's President Javier Milei's austerity measures during his visit to Buenos Aires on the second leg of his Latin America tour. In a speech that emphasized social justice and concern for the most vulnerable, the Pope urged the economy to serve the people rather than the other way around. He highlighted the plight of the poor and those affected by illness, dependency, and disability, subtly referencing the government's controversial cuts to disability assistance. In a seeming rebuke of Milei's combative style and language, Pope Leo emphasized the importance of listening and using words carefully in strengthening democracy. Milei, who has been outspoken about Leo's predecessor Pope Francis, struck a conciliatory tone during this visit, calling Francis an "exceptional figure" and expressing eagerness to welcome the current Pope. The Argentine leader defended his libertarian policies, emphasizing the importance of life, liberty, and property rights in Argentina's constitution and Western democracies. As this leg of the Pope's journey is expected to be the most politically sensitive due to Milei's agenda of slashing public spending, the Pope called for prudence and community good in those exercising authority. The visit is seen as a homage to Pope Francis, who did not return to his homeland during his own papacy. The Vatican has assured that no extraordinary measures are being taken regarding the Pope's health following his successful operation to remove a tumor.