(Este artículo también se encuentra en español)
Argentinian President Javier Milei arrived at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican around nine in the morning on this 12th of February for his first audience with Pope Francis.
This marks the first formal meeting between the two leaders, beyond the greetings exchanged the previous day at St. Peter's Basilica during the canonization of Mama Antula.
From labeling him as "fool" and "representative of evil" during the electoral campaign in Argentina, the occupant of Casa Rosada now considers him "the most important Argentine in history."
Llegó Javier Milei al Vaticano para su audiencia con el papa Francisco. pic.twitter.com/76h37ggo9C
— César Salvucci (@DonSalvu) February 12, 2024
A Relationship that Started Tense and a Possible Trip to Argentina
It hasn't been the smoothest start to their relationship. However, Pope Francis downplayed the insults, dismissing them as "things said during campaigns."
Moreover, it caused great surprise in the Argentine press the attention and smiles bestowed upon the leader of the Catholic Church during the religious event on February 11.
As soon as the ballots of the runoff election declared the liberal man as the winner, the pontiff contacted his compatriot, and they had a pleasant conversation, as it was reported.
That was the first time the elected president invited him to visit his country of origin, something the Pope had never done since the beginning of his pontificate.
Later, now exercising power, Milei reiterated the invitation, but in a formal manner.
For his part, Francis said it "was a possibility," but clarified that nothing was planned.
Abortion in Argentina
During the beginning of his government, the Argentine ruling party has stated that they will seek to end abortion rights in the South American country.
Perhaps this is one of the few issues on which both leaders agree during this meeting.
The Vatican's Official Statement
After two hours and 40 minutes in the Holy See, the Argentine leader left the premises without even looking at the Italian and Argentine press that was just meters away.
The Argentine delegation not only visited the Pope and exchanged gifts but also held a meeting with the Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, and toured the palace. The Vatican released an official statement.
Primeras imágenes de @JMilei y @Pontifex_es juntos en la Basílica de San Pedro. pic.twitter.com/1DB1dQuLJn
— César Salvucci (@DonSalvu) February 11, 2024
The press release issued by the Vatican highlights the "cordiality" with which the events unfolded.
This morning, the Holy Father Francis received in audience, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the President of the Argentine Republic, His Excellency Mr. Javier Gerardo Milei, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.
During the cordial discussions, which took place at the Secretariat of State, appreciation was expressed for the good relations between the Holy See and the Argentine Republic, and the will to strengthen them further. The parties then addressed the new Government’s programme to counter the economic crisis.
Attention then turned to various themes of an international character, especially ongoing conflicts and the commitment to peace among nations.
-presid… 💨 pic.twitter.com/Y3qX9sN2jf
— César Salvucci (@DonSalvu) February 12, 2024
At 11:43 am, the Argentine delegation left the building and was bid farewell by the protocol officer, also Argentine, Monsignor Guillermo Karcher.
