Pope Leo XIV received a report on the childhood crisis and poverty in Argentina

Published at: 14/11/2026 10:28 PM

Pope Leo XIV received, during his official agenda in Argentina, a document prepared by the Forum for Children and allied institutions detailing the severe impacts suffered by children and adolescents as a result of the socio-economic measures implemented by the administration of President Javier Milei.

The delivery of the report entitled “The situation of children and adolescents in Argentina” was given by the bishop of Chascomús, Juan Ignacio Liébana, according to Radio Nacional de Venezuela.

The text summarizes research carried out jointly by the Institute of Thought and Public Policy (IPyPP), the Confederation of Workers of Argentina (CTA in its two aspects), the Confederation of Education Workers of the Argentine Republic (CTERA) and the Observatory of Adolescents and Youth.

The diagnosis reveals critical figures in social matters, recording that 5.2 million children are in a situation of poverty, of whom 1.3 million face extreme deficiencies to cover basic daily food. The analysis by age segment shows that economic vulnerability affects 47.7% of children between 6 and 11 years old, and 45.8% of adolescents aged 12 to 17.

Faced with this scenario, the authors of the text emphasized the contradiction represented by malnutrition in a nation with high agri-food potential, describing the current scenario as a reflection of marked institutional inequality and demanding a more equitable distribution of national resources.

In addition, the representation of the Forum for Children, headed by its national coordinator Rosario Hasperué, expressed concern about the legislative and social environment of the year 2026, pointing out the risks associated with the enactment of laws to lower the age of criminal responsibility, the increase in youth suicide rates, the mental health problems associated with addictions and gambling, as well as the advancement of child labor and the challenges derived from digital technologies and artificial intelligence.

Mazo News Team