Argentina's President Milei eases criticism of Catholic Church ahead of Pope's planned visit

President Javier Milei has moderated his previously harsh remarks toward the Catholic Church, opting for a more conciliatory tone as Argentina prepares for a likely visit by Pope Leon XIV. While Milei continues to accuse some clergy of political alignment with Peronism and of downplaying his government's reported poverty‑rate decline, he has refrained from public confrontations after Archbishop Jorge García Cuerva's comments on “social‑media terrorism” during the May 25 Tedeum. The administration says the shift is meant to foster dialogue and avoid controversy while the papal visit, expected in the coming months, is organized.

Government officials acknowledge ongoing ideological differences with the Church but stress that the upcoming diplomatic engagement with the Vatican warrants a respectful approach, especially as Milei seeks to highlight his economic achievements and maintain institutional relations.