ROME – Pope Francis hosted Argentina’s populist president Javier Millei at the Vatican on Monday for an hour-long meeting.
“During the intense consultations held at the State Department, gratitude for the good relations between the Holy See and the Argentine Republic and the desire to further strengthen them was expressed,” the Vatican Press Office said. statement.
The Vatican said discussions also turned to international topics, including the new government’s plans to deal with Argentina’s economic crisis and “ongoing conflicts and efforts for peace between nations.”
Yesterday, Millais and the Pope met informally for the first time following the canonization of Argentina’s first saint, Mama Antura, in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Argentina’s President Javier Millay arrives at the Vatican’s San Damaso Courtyard to meet with Pope Francis on February 12, 2024. (Massimo Varricchia/Null Photography via Getty Images)
One could tell that the meeting was relaxed and friendly, in contrast to the sharp words of mutual criticism of the past few months.
“Did you get a haircut?” the pope jokingly asked the man known as the Lion King because of his curly hair.
Millais asked the pope if she could hug him, and he said, “Yes,” adding, “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Francis noted Millay’s perfect suit and tie, noting the contrast with his usual Fonzie-esque leather jacket.
The Pope also praised Argentina’s Foreign Minister Diana Mondino for her “excellent work” in her first two months in office, calling her exemplary firmness “given the roughness of the opponent.” It pointed out.
Pope Francis exchanges gifts with Argentine President Javier Millei and his sister Karina Elizabeth Millei during an audience at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, February 12, 2024. President Javier Millay celebrated the canonization of Argentina’s first female saint, María Antonia de San José de Paz y Figueroa, known as “Mama Antura,” yesterday in St. Peter’s Basilica, presided over by Pope Francis. He has been in Rome since Saturday for the ceremony. (Vatican Pool via Vatican Media/Getty Images)
Back in 2020, Millais called the Pope a “social justice moron” as well as a “communism-preaching bastard” and “a representative of the evil on earth.”
As time passed, Millais softened his tone considerably, and soon after taking office he wrote a letter of thanks to the Pope, inviting him to visit his country and requesting that he meet him at the Vatican.
Francis called Millais immediately after his victory and tried to smooth things over between the two.
