Argentina’s President Javier Milei Meets Pope Francis at the Vatican
Argentina’s President Javier Milei visited the Vatican to meet with Pope Francis, seeking to mend their strained relationship. The maverick right-wing libertarian had previously insulted the pope but has now shifted his tone as he tries to gain support among conservative Catholics.
During the one-hour meeting, Milei discussed Argentina’s economic crisis with the pope and his deputy, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin. In an interview, Milei acknowledged the pope’s significance and stated that he had to reconsider some of his previous positions.
Milei, who describes himself as a Catholic practicing Judaism “a bit,” was accompanied by an orthodox Jewish rabbi during his visit to Rome and Israel. The president’s meeting with the pope comes at a critical time for Argentina, as the country grapples with a severe economic crisis.
Despite past insults directed at the pope, the head of the Vatican’s doctrine office emphasized that Pope Francis holds no animosity and is concerned about those who suffer. The potential visit of the pope to Argentina later this year could be a significant development for Milei as he seeks to appease his conservative Catholic supporters.
While their differing ideologies could have posed a challenge, the meetings between Milei and the pope appeared to go well. Milei presented the pope with pastries and biscuits, and the two engaged in light-hearted banter during their interactions.
The visit concluded with a moment of humor as the pope, in a wheelchair, greeted Milei and remarked on his haircut. The exchange between the two was warm and lighthearted, signaling a potential thaw in their previously strained relationship.
