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Pope Francis and Javier Milei on Sunday in St. Peter's Basilica
Photo: Vatican Media / ipa-agency.net / Independent Photo Agency Int. / IMAGO
During the election campaign, he insulted the Pope as a "fool" and a "son of a bitch" who was promoting communism around the world - now Argentina's President Javier Milei and Pope Francis seem to get along quite well.
The two met for the first time on Sunday: They warmly greeted each other in St. Peter's Basilica before a service for the canonization of an 18th-century Argentine nun. The Pope, who was in a wheelchair, and the President also held each other's shoulders. This Monday the Pope will receive the guest from his homeland for a private audience.
The reason for the visit is the canonization of the Argentine Mama Antula (1730-1799). The Catholic nun – whose real name is María Antonia di San Giuseppe de Paz y Figueroa – is the first woman from Latin America to be canonized. Because of her commitment to the poor and sick, the Pope honored her as a special example of charity even today.
Until now, the relationship between Milei and Francis was considered strained - but the president has now extended the Pope an invitation to a state visit. Francis has not been to his native Argentina since his pontificate began in 2013. Milei has been President of Argentina since December.
It will be watched with interest to see whether Francis' visit plans become concrete. The 87-year-old has announced that he wants to travel back to his homeland for the first time in the second half of this year. However, his health has been clearly bothering him for some time now. Francis had to cancel his planned trip to the world climate summit in Dubai at the end of last year at short notice.
lki/dpa