Pope Leo XIV received Argentine President Javier Milei at the Vatican on Saturday in a cordial meeting that marked a significant shift in relations between the Holy See and Argentina. Unlike his predecessor Pope Francis an Argentine who had a contentious relationship with Milei and never visited his homeland during his 12-year papacy Pope Leo assured Milei of a future papal visit to Argentina, possibly as early as next year as part of a broader South American tour.
The discussions, held at the Vatican Secretariat of State, covered a range of topics of mutual interest including socio-economic progress, the fight against poverty, social cohesion, and ongoing regional and international conflicts with an emphasis on urgent efforts for peace. Following the audience with the Pope, Milei also met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, and his diplomatic team to further dialogue on strengthening bilateral relations.
Milei’s visit comes amid a complex backdrop: he is a libertarian populist known for his admiration of Donald Trump and has had a strained rapport with Pope Francis, whom he publicly criticized. Despite this, the new pontiff Leo XIV, who was born in Chicago and has spent many years in South America, appears keen to foster closer ties with Argentina. The Pope’s planned visit signals a new chapter in Vatican-Argentina relations.
The Argentine president’s trip to the Vatican followed a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome, where an energy cooperation agreement was signed between Argentina’s YPF and Italy’s ENI. Milei is currently on a 10-day European tour that will also take him to Spain, France, and Israel.
This historic meeting underscores the Vatican’s ongoing role in promoting dialogue and peace amid complex political landscapes, while highlighting Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to social issues and international diplomacy.