Argentina's president, Javier Milei, presented himself before Pope Leo XIV with great respect.
Thank you for receiving me.
It seems as though there was much at stake during this visit. The president first secured important trade agreements with Italy and then went for the cherry on top—a papal visit to Argentina, a trip Pope Francis never made. In fact, reminders of Pope Francis were very present throughout the entire visit, even in the gift exchange.
The message of peace from Pope Francis that he wrote for the world for the World Day of Peace…
It is tradition for popes to give heads of state the pontiff’s message for the World Day of Peace, which last year was written by the Pope Francis.
The meeting between Pope Leo and the Argentinian president lasted around 45 minutes, and afterward, a spokesperson for the Argentinian government made this announcement: Pope Leo XIV confirmed that he will travel to Argentina, although no dates have been set yet.
The Vatican, for its part, as it usually does in these instances, issued a brief statement mentioning some of the topics discussed between the leaders. It stated that relations with Argentina are “solid”, and that the conversation included matters such as the fight against poverty and a commitment to social cohesion.
Javier Milei’s previous interactions with Pope Francis often changed dramatically. Pope Francis would begin by insulting him and then give him a hug.
You cut your hair!
-I just fixed it. Can I give you a kiss?
-Yes, my son, yes. It's good to see you. Thank you for coming.
Javier Milei has been the third Latin American president to meet with Pope Leo XIV. The other two were the President of Peru and the President of Colombia.
JRB
Trans. CRT
