🇻🇦🤝🇦🇷🐍 — Argentine President Javier Milei welcomed Pope Leo XIV in Buenos Aires on the first day of the pontiff’s visit to the country. In a speech before government officials and diplomatic representatives, Milei paid tribute to Pope Francis, whom he called “the most important Argentine in history.”
➡️ The meeting marks the return of a pontiff to Argentina after 39 years. The last visit took place in 1987, during the pontificate of John Paul II. The pope then proceeded to Plaza San Martín, where he paid tribute to General José de San Martín, one of the leading figures in Argentina’s independence. He subsequently attended the official welcome ceremony at the Casa Rosada, the seat of government, and held a private meeting with Milei.
✝️ The president devoted part of his speech to the memory of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who led the Catholic Church from 2013 until his death in April 2025. As head of the Catholic Church, he took the name Francis. According to the Argentine president, Francis’s death left a great void in Argentine society, including among those who do not belong to the Catholic Church.
🤝 The Argentine head of state also highlighted the presence of representatives from different political parties at the ceremony. “I am glad to see the entire political spectrum here,” he said. “There are issues that transcend our differences.”
💬 In his first address in Argentina, Leo XIV emphasized the importance of governing for the benefit of the population and called for respect for democratic institutions. The pontiff stated that authorities must recognize the limits of political power and stressed the need to uphold the rule of law.
💰 Leo XIV also addressed economic and social issues. According to the pope, economic growth must benefit society as a whole, including vulnerable people.
🤖 The leader of the Catholic Church also called for ethical responsibility in technological development and drew attention to the challenges posed by artificial intelligence. The address was delivered before members of the Argentine government, representatives of various political forces, and members of the diplomatic corps.
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