Pope Leo XIV visits care home for disabled amid Argentine austerity debates

Pope Leo XIV visited a residential care home for more than 400 adults with disabilities in Claypole, a suburb of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Thousands of people gathered along the route to greet the pontiff as he arrived from Uruguay to begin a tour of the region. Supporters lined the streets with flags and chairs, while a local band performed religious music. The visit occurs during a period of intense national debate regarding government support for people with disabilities.

The Pope addressed the crowd and the residents of the Cottolengo Don Orione home while discussing economic growth for vulnerable populations. His presence follows a period of public tension involving President Javier Milei, whose austerity measures have faced criticism from the Catholic Church. The government and opposition recently agreed on a bill to guarantee funding for disability services, which the lower house of Congress approved in October and currently awaits a vote in the Senate.

In the city of Buenos Aires, large crowds queued early in the morning to attend a Mass. Many worshippers traveled by bus from different parishes to hear the Pope speak. Residents and students expressed that the visit represents a continuation of the legacy of Pope Francis and a call for national unity during a time of social division.