Pope Leo XIV told Argentine authorities in Buenos Aires on Sunday that the economy must serve people rather than the reverse, according to BBC and Vatican News^1,2.

The remarks came as he arrived on the second stop of a 12-day Latin America tour, about three weeks after surgery for lung cancer, BBC reported¹.

Vatican News said he spoke at Palacio Libertad to officials, civil society and diplomats, after visiting Uruguay and before traveling on to Peru².

Leo said particular concern should be shown for people affected by illness, dependency and disability, BBC reported¹.

He also said strengthening democracy required a willingness to listen and careful use of words, according to BBC¹.

Vatican News quoted him as saying authority is most authentic when it is exercised as service and looks beyond the immediate².

President Javier Milei said his government was working to avoid punishing Argentines of tomorrow in order to benefit those of today, BBC reported¹.

Milei also called the late Pope Francis an exceptional figure and the most important Argentine in history, according to BBC¹.

Vatican News said Leo asked why so many young people feel they must leave the country to pursue their aims and called for stronger education, universities and research².

The Vatican said no extraordinary medical measures were being taken on the trip, describing him as a 71-year-old who had undergone an operation, BBC reported¹.