It is reported that the Buenos Aires police are working under precarious conditions during the papal operation

The backstage of the arrival of the Pontiff in the province has triggered a strong institutional controversy. While at the national level the Government of Javier Milei promotes responsibility in the use of public funds, the Kirchnerist management of Axel Kicillof once again plunges state workers into operational neglect. Hundreds of poorly paid police officers have been assigned to provide service housed in tents, with chemical toilets and makeshift facilities in the open air.

The police officers from the Buenos Aires police expressed their outrage through a strong list of demands and complaints: Poor facilities designated for the accommodation and logistics of personnel. Failure to pay travel expenses corresponding to the long hours of the operation. Lack of essential work equipment for the fulfillment of the service. Inappropriate tents and rest conditions to accommodate security personnel. Lack of bathrooms and hygiene points in optimal sanitary conditions. The neglect suffered by hundreds of police officers exposed to the open air highlights the logistical failures of the administration of the Province of Buenos Aires.

In contrast to the complaints on the ground, the provincial government led an event at the Fine Arts Museum of Luján to present the operation for the visit of Pope Leo XIV. The ceremony was attended by Governor Axel Kicillof, Archbishop Jorge Eduardo Scheinig, Security Minister Javier Alonso, and the mayor of Luján, Leonardo Boto.

The formal announcement comes after Pope Leo XIV confirmed his trip to Argentina expressing “It fills me with joy”, after having asked for “prayers” before starting his journey to “Those countries that I love so much”. The official plan includes two special devices with epicenters in Claypole —where a boost to Cottolengo Don Orione in Almirante Brown was highlighted— and in Luján.

Despite the deprivations of the Buenos Aires Police, provincial authorities announced a massive mobilization of public resources: Health Device: More than 1,200 health workers, 45 ambulances, 8 mobile health units, 12 higher complexity medical posts, 8 reference hospitals, 4 field hospitals, and 2 medical helicopters were reported to be deployed.

Security and Logistics: 12,000 security personnel were assigned with support from motorcycles and helicopters, more than 10,000 volunteers, over 51 care posts, 30 Eucharistic tents, chemical toilets, and giant screens. All logistical information was made available on the website https://visitadelpapapba.gba.gob.ar. Total Resources: Minister Javier Alonso detailed that the device will mobilize around 30,000 public servants including police, health personnel, firefighters, and volunteers.

In the official presentation, the Kirchnerist governor delivered the following speech: Kicillof defined the arrival of the Pontiff as “a historic event” and an occurrence of “enormous spiritual, human, and social significance”. He also stated: “For the province of Buenos Aires, it is a tremendous pride and a great emotion to be able to welcome Pope Leo XIV: we want to give him a warm welcome, thank him for his visit, and convey the affection, respect, and hope with which the entire Buenos Aires people will receive him”. The Buenos Aires governor added: “This is not just another visit; it is a historic event and an occurrence of enormous spiritual, human, and social significance. In this complex context that the country and the world are going through, dominated by uncertainty, inequality, and violence, the word of Leo XIV acquires extraordinary value”.

In a markedly ideological tone, he asserted: “In the face of individualism, his voice of enormous power reminds us that we cannot get used to injustice, naturalize cruelty, or build a society based on indifference and the abandonment of the most vulnerable”. He also linked the papal figure to Pope Francis by stating: “For Argentinians, this visit also has a very special meaning: Leo XIV collects and continues the enormous legacy of our Pope Francis, who brought a message of social justice, solidarity, and defense of the most humble to the world”, adding that “Francis could not return to Argentina, but we are sure that in these days his struggles, his memory, and his message will be more alive than ever”.

Finally, Axel Kicillof asserted: “We are prepared for a massive popular mobilization here in Luján. The best way to welcome Leo XIV is to listen to him attentively, with respect and with the will to turn his messages into concrete actions. We hope that his presence will be an emotional memory and, moreover, an opportunity to reflect on the country we have and the one we want to build”, closing with: “We want to thank him for coming, for his commitment, and for reminding us that in the face of injustice and indifference, there is always another way”.