BUENOS AIRES, Nov 9 — Pope Leo XIV delivered a stinging critique of President Javier Milei’s harsh austerity measures yesterday, insisting growth must benefit all in a speech met with rapturous applause.

“The economy must be at the service of the people, rather than people being at the service of the economy,” he said, shortly after landing in Argentina on the second leg of a Latin America tour.

Leo stressed the plight of those who, “despite hard work, nonetheless struggle to meet their household’s needs.”

He spoke out in defense of the poor and pensioners, insisting that “particular concern be shown for those affected by illness, dependency and disability” — a veiled reference to the government’s controversial cuts to disability assistance.