Putting Insults Aside, Argentina’s Milei Praises ‘Positive Relationship’ with Pope

By Alvise Armellini

VATICAN CITY – Bearing pastries and gifts, Argentina’s President Javier Milei met with Pope Francis on Monday in their first official encounter, seeking to mend relations with the pontiff he previously criticized.

Milei, known for his maverick right-wing libertarian views, had made derogatory remarks about Francis during last year’s electoral campaign, referring to him as an “imbecile who defends social justice.” However, since taking office, the president has adopted a more conciliatory tone to secure support from his conservative Catholic constituents amid significant challenges.

The meeting, which lasted about an hour, involved discussions about Argentina’s economic crisis. Following their conversation, Milei had separate discussions with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin regarding his strategies to address the nation’s financial situation.

In an interview with an Italian broadcaster, Milei mentioned that he and the pope have begun to develop a positive relationship, noting the pope’s significance as "the most important Argentine in all of Argentina" and the leader of global Catholics. He acknowledged the need to reconsider some of his previous stances.

Milei described himself as a Catholic who also practices Judaism to some extent. His recent travels included a trip to Israel, where he was accompanied by an Orthodox Jewish rabbi who serves as his spiritual adviser and is nominated to be Argentina’s ambassador to Israel.

The meeting comes at a critical time for Argentina, as the country grapples with its worst economic crisis in decades, facing inflation rates exceeding 200%. The newly elected president is also experiencing setbacks, highlighted by the parliamentary rejection of a crucial reform package.

Before the meeting, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, head of the Vatican’s doctrine office, remarked that the pope holds affection for everyone and does not harbor animosity towards Milei. He suggested that the pope viewed the derogatory comments as part of the electoral strategy. Fernandez emphasized that despite potential disagreements with certain political and ideological trends in Argentina, the pope remains committed to addressing the suffering of the populace.

ARGENTINE VISIT IN FOCUS

Pope Francis, formerly the archbishop of Buenos Aires, has faced criticism from some Argentines for not returning to his homeland since becoming pope in 2013. He has indicated a possible visit to "suffering" Argentina later this year, though uncertainty remains about the trip’s feasibility.

Such a visit could significantly aid Milei as he works to satisfy his conservative Catholic supporters. The pope has previously expressed a desire not to be politically leveraged by Argentine leaders. Recently, he remarked on the dangers of "radical individualism" in society, which contrasts with Milei’s free-market beliefs.

Despite their complicated history, the meetings on Monday and informal discussions over the weekend appeared to be successful. Milei brought traditional alfajores de dulce de leche and a specific brand of lemon biscuits favored by the pope.

Their conversations also continued at a canonization Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica for Argentina’s first female saint, Maria Antonia de Paz y Figueroa, known as "Mama Antula."

Pope Francis, 87 and using a wheelchair due to mobility issues, greeted Milei with a smile, exclaiming, "You cut your hair!" In response, Milei, who maintains a distinct long hairstyle, joked about his appearance and asked if he could embrace the pope. A smiling Francis responded, "Yes, son, yes."