In a surprising turn of events, Argentina's president-elect Javier Milei and Pope Francis have put their bitter feud aside and met for the first time at the Vatican. The meeting comes after a conciliatory phone call between the two, marking a significant shift in their relationship. Milei, a foul-mouthed libertarian economist, had previously referred to the pope as a "filthy leftist" and accused him of interfering in Argentine politics. Pope Francis, in turn, had warned against figures like Adolf Hitler, which Milei took as a personal insult. However, their meeting at St. Peter's Basilica during the canonization ceremony for Argentina's first female saint was described as "very strong" by Milei.
The visit to the Vatican is an unconventional move by Milei, who has embarked on an extended trip abroad amidst legislative negotiations over his proposed economic overhaul. Last week, his signature bill was derailed by congressional opposition, forcing him to shelve it. The meeting with Pope Francis, a prominent figure among Argentina's poorest population, could potentially provide Milei with much-needed political capital during this challenging time. With social tensions rising and a nationwide strike already underway, the president is facing projections of further economic pain due to his prescribed austerity measures.
The timing of this meeting is crucial, as it offers Milei an opportunity to improve diplomatic relations and normalize international ties that have been strained. The influence of the Catholic Church in Argentina cannot be underestimated, and Pope Francis wields significant political weight. This meeting could help Milei reach deeper levels of Argentine society and ease societal tensions amid poverty and unrest.
This outreach to Pope Francis is part of a broader trend in Milei's foreign relations strategy. While he initially criticized China and Brazil—Argentina's top trading partners—he has softened his stance towards them. However, the decision to visit the pope represents a more significant shift in his approach, emphasizing his religious faith's role in geopolitics. This shift follows Milei's recent trip to Israel where he pledged to relocate Argentina's embassy to Jerusalem and expressed his intention to convert to Judaism. He vowed to strengthen ties with Israel despite international criticism of its actions in Gaza.
Milei's pragmatism on the international stage seems to be driven by spirituality rather than traditional realpolitik considerations. By engaging with prominent religious figures and nations, he seeks to establish diplomatic ties based on faith and values. The meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican demonstrates Milei's willingness to bridge political divides and pursue a more nuanced approach to international relations.
As Milei faces domestic challenges and economic setbacks, his meeting with Pope Francis provides an opportunity to garner support from the Argentine population and restore confidence. The influence of the Catholic Church, combined with the pope's unique status as the first Latin American pontiff, adds further weight to this meeting. Whether it leads to tangible results or remains a symbolic gesture, Milei's visit to the Vatican represents a calculated move to stabilize his administration's image and improve diplomatic ties during a critical period for Argentina.