Pope Francis meets Argentine President Milei for first time

Published February 11,2024

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Pope Francis has met Javier Milei, the just lately elected president of Argentina, the pope’s dwelling nation, for the primary time on Sunday.

Milei, a former professor of economics who has made a reputation for himself together with his libertarian insurance policies, is in Rome for the canonization of Mama Antula, an 18th century Argentine nun.

The two greeted one another in St Peter’s Basilica on Sunday earlier than the service which was led by Francis.

Relations between the 2 have been strained. During his marketing campaign for the presidency, Milei termed Francis, previously archbishop of Buenos Aires, an “imbecile” and accused him of selling communism.

But he has since issued an invite to the pope to go to Argentina.

Francis, 87, plans to go to Argentina for the primary time since he assumed the papacy in 2013 within the second half of this yr.

Before the beginning of the service, Francis and Milei greeted one another warmly. The pope, who was seated in a wheelchair, and the president additionally gripped one another’s shoulders. This Monday, the Pope may also obtain the visitor from his homeland for a non-public viewers.

Milei, a self-described “anarcho-capitalist,” can be to carry conferences on Monday with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella.

Milei has been president of Argentina since December.

Mama Antula formally María Antonia di San Giuseppe de Paz y Figueroa – is the primary Argentine girl to be canonized. She is honoured for her work among the many poor and the sick.