Milei and Archbishop García Cuerva clash over social division at Argentina's Tedeum

At the traditional May 25 Tedeum in Buenos Aires Cathedral, Archbishop Jorge García Cuerva delivered a forceful homily urging political leaders to commit to the poorest, denounce “social paralysis” and call for dialogue, warning that “division and polarization” could lead to social disintegration. President Javier Milei, who attended the ceremony, responded in radio interviews, describing the archbishop’s remarks as a “valid opinion” but labeling the term “terrorism of the networks” as exaggerated. He stressed that online criticism is not terrorism and emphasized the need for constructive debate.

Following the ceremony, Milei convened an expanded cabinet meeting, signaling an attempt to project internal cohesion amid the criticism. Vice‑president Victoria Villarruel, who was not invited to the Tedeum, posted separate messages linking the historic Revolution of May to current challenges, reinforcing the same themes of sovereignty and dignity.

Across media outlets, the event was highlighted as a rare public confrontation between Argentina’s libertarian government and the Catholic Church, centering on concerns about poverty, social exclusion and the tone of political discourse.