Argentina minister hits back at archbishop over poverty remarks

Argentina's Economy Minister Luis Caputo shared a social media post on Saturday criticizing Archbishop Jorge García Cuerva, following the religious leader's remarks about the country's social and economic crisis. The post, authored by BICE bank advisor Felipe Núñez, said he was "tired" of the archbishop and urged him to focus on preaching rather than politics. The conflict stems from García Cuerva's October 2 comments describing Argentina as "wounded" and "divided" ahead of Pope Leo XIV's planned November visit. The archbishop highlighted persistent poverty, intolerance, and a decades-long crisis, saying the country has failed to improve despite past hopes. The archbishop's remarks came during the 52nd Youth Pilgrimage to Luján, which he estimated could draw over one million faithful. Former politician Ricardo Alfonsín and business leader Osvaldo Cornide defended García Cuerva, arguing that addressing social suffering is not political but a Christian duty.