Argentina: Pope Francis calls incoming President Javier Milei

Javier Milei. Wiki Image

Source: AICA, Vatican News, X

Yesterday, 21 November, Pope Francis had a telephone conversation with the president-elect of Argentina, Javier Milei. The director of the Press Office of the Holy See, Matteo Bruni, confirmed that the Pope and Milei had the conversation on Tuesday afternoon.

"The conversation was pleasant, it lasted about eight minutes," a spokesperson for Milei is quoted by the Argentinian Bishops Conference saying that the pontiff "congratulated him" on his electoral victory in the presidential runoff.

Assurances were also given that the president-elect will invite the Pope to visit Argentina when he considers it appropriate and that he guaranteed that he will be received "with all the honours of head of state and head of the Catholic Church."

The president-elect conveyed to the Holy Father that he knows very well that he has "an important challenge to combat poverty and destitution" and that he said he will work "hard" with "children" and to improve education.

Pope Francis responded that he will have to face the new stage with "wisdom and courage."

"I don't lack courage and I'm working on wisdom," Milei responded. "Wish you all the best. Go ahead, I pray for you," the pontiff told him.

Javier Milei was elected president in the elections held last Sunday, with more than 55% of the votes, defeating the current Minister of Economy, Sergio Massa. The president-elect also met this Tuesday with the current president Alberto Fernández, beginning the government transition process that will take place on December 10.

Christopher Lamb commented on X: "What does Javier Milei's election victory mean for Pope Francis' hoped-for visit to Argentina? Milei has hurled insults and harsh criticism against Francis, although later apologised. His election complicates a papal visit to Argentina, although the Pope has insisted that going to his homeland is not dependent on who wins the election."

Kevin O'Higgins, SJ stated: "Milei has attacked Catholic social teaching, mocked the notion of 'social justice & branded Pope Francis a 'communist' & 'devil's representative'. Prayers for Argentina!"

Veteran BBC journalist John Simpson said on X: "It's easy to dismiss Argentina's new Pres Javier Milei as a nutter; he's said he gets political advice from his dead dog via a medium. But though he's repeated Argentina's claim to the Falklands and been lambasted for it by the UK press and politicians, he makes clear that the Islanders must be consulted - a view that's deeply unpopular in Argentina. He's certainly odd, but maybe we should wait to see how he turns out."