- Argentine President Javier Milei is traveling in Rome.
- Among other things, he will attend the canonization of an Argentine nun and meet the Pope.
- The relationship between Pope Francis and Milei seems to be improving.
At the Vatican on Sunday, Pope Francis will canonize the Argentine “Mama Antula,” a woman who moved from city to city in the 18th century and conducted Jesuit retreats. Argentine President Javier Milei will also be present at the canonization, the Vatican said.
Pope Francis, who also comes from Argentina, also received Milei for an audience. This was despite the fact that Milei had previously made abusive comments about the Pope. He said, for example, that the Pope embodies evil on earth. After the election as Argentine president, Milei was more conciliatory, describing Francis as the most important Argentine in history.
The Argentine head of state’s program on Monday also includes meetings with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella.
The Catholic nun Mama Antula – whose real name is María Antonia di San Giuseppe de Paz y Figueroa – is the first woman from Argentina to be canonized. Because of her commitment to the poor and sick, the Pope recognized her as a special example of charity even today.
Legend:
Before his election as president, Javier Milei did not speak well of Pope Francis.
REUTERS/MATIAS BAGLIETTO