Pope Francis meets new President of Argentina

Image: Vatican Media

Source: Vatican Media

On Monday, Pope Francis welcomed the new President of Argentina, Javier Milei, for an official audience in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace - a day after the canonisation of Argentina's first saint.

President Milei was accompanied by his sister, Karina Milei, who serves as the General Secretary of the Presidency of Argentina.

The 53-year-old native of Buenos Aires was sworn in as President on December 10, 2023.

According to the Holy See Press Office, President Milei met afterwards with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

"During the cordial discussions, which took place at the Secretariat of State, appreciation was expressed for the good relations between the Holy See and the Argentine Republic, and the will to strengthen them further," an official Vatican statement explained. "The parties then addressed the new Government's programme to counter the economic crisis.." it continued. "Attention then turned to various themes of an international character, especially ongoing conflicts and the commitment to peace among nations."

See clips of the hour-long meeting on the Vatican Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lMJ_p3DduY