Argentina’s Milei Begins Diplomatic Trip to Israel and Italy, According to Reuters

By Walter Bianchi

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) – Argentina’s President Javier Milei commenced an overseas tour on Monday, with plans to visit Israel amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza, followed by a trip to Italy to meet with Pope Francis, whom he has previously referred to in derogatory terms.

The right-wing libertarian leader, an economist and former outspoken commentator who assumed office in December, will also engage with Italian conservative Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and prominent business and religious figures during his journey.

Before his unexpected electoral victory last year, Milei frequently criticized Pope Francis, a fellow Argentine, labeling him a socialist. However, he has since sought to reconcile, extending an invitation for the pontiff to visit Argentina.

Milei, who has expressed a desire to convert to Judaism, is scheduled to meet with rabbis in Israel and visit significant Jewish sites in Jerusalem, as well as commemorate the Hamas attack on southern Israel that occurred on October 7, in various events planned until Thursday.

He is expected to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, showing strong support for his administration in its conflict with the Palestinian militant group in Gaza.

In Italy, Milei will attend the Vatican’s canonization of Maria Antonia de Paz y Figueroa, an Argentine religious sister who has been on the path to sainthood since 2010.

The highly-anticipated meeting between Milei and the pope is scheduled for February 12, followed by a meeting with Meloni the next day.

Milei has embarked on this trip while working to advance a comprehensive reform bill through Congress, aiming to privatize state-owned entities and reduce generous government subsidies, among other economic and political objectives.