Vatican official visits recycling cooperative in Buenos Aires

Sor Alessandra Smerilli, prefect of the Dicastery for Integral Human Development, visited the Amanecer de los Cartoneros cooperative in the Saavedra neighborhood of Buenos Aires. The visit occurred during the Regional Meeting of Popular Movements, following an invitation from Sergio Sánchez of the Argentine Federation of Cardboard, Cart, and Recyclers (FACCyR) to Pope Leo XIV.

Smerilli, an Italian economist and Salesian nun, aimed to observe the social and environmental contributions of recycling cooperatives firsthand. During the regional meeting, she highlighted the role of popular movements in building a more just society, referencing the Church's mission to support the dignity of workers.

The visit comes as recycling cooperatives in the City of Buenos Aires warn that changes to urban hygiene regulations could jeopardize approximately 6,500 jobs. These organizations are calling for the recycling system to formally recognize the role of waste pickers.