The Catholic Church in Argentina refutes Javier Milei’s claims of poverty negationism

The Catholic Church in Argentina has publicly refuted President Javier Milei’s dismissal of poverty, asserting that the economic hardship faced by many citizens is a tangible reality. In response to Milei’s claim that the idea of people struggling to make ends meet is “a foolishness that promoted the kichnerismo,” top Church officials have emphasized that the crisis is not a matter of debate but a lived experience for countless families.

The national leader questioned the validity of claims about economic hardship, suggesting that if people run out of money by the 20th of the month, they would be unable to survive for ten days without food or drink. Milei further criticized the notion that income is insufficient, calling it a “foolishness of the size of a house.” These remarks sparked a strong reaction from the Argentine Episcopal Conference (CEA), which defended the experiences of those affected by inflation and wage stagnation.

Marcelo Colombo and Ángel Rossi, the president and vice president of the CEA, directly challenged Milei’s assertions. They stated that the crisis is a “truth not subject to verification,” affirming that those who report financial difficulties are indeed facing real challenges. Colombo highlighted that the Church has witnessed this situation for a long time, with many individuals seeking food assistance at distribution centers who previously contributed to the community.

The Church leaders stressed that their institution is transparent and does not conceal data, but rather conveys the collective concern of the community. They described the changing social landscape, noting that the same people who once supported charitable efforts are now in need of assistance. This shift underscores the severity of the economic crisis and the Church’s commitment to addressing it.

The Catholic Church’s stance reflects a broader commitment to protecting the vulnerable and advocating for the dignity of all individuals. In this context, the Church’s response to Milei’s statements aligns with the biblical call to care for the poor and marginalized, as seen in Proverbs 31:8-9, which urges the protection of the weak and the defense of the oppressed.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)