Pope Francis' meeting with Argentine President Miley

Charlotta Smedes – Vatican City

President Javier Gerardo Maile and Pope Francis met briefly on Sunday in connection with the Mass the pope presided over in St. Peter's Basilica.

During the Mass, the Pope canonized Sancta María Antonia de San José de Paz y Figueroa, known internationally as “Mama Antola,” making her the first Argentine saint.

On Monday morning, the Argentine Pope received the Argentine President in a special meeting at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican.

President Miley was accompanied by his sister, Karina Miley, who holds the position of Secretary General of the Argentine Presidency.

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

According to the Holy See Press Room, President Milley then met with Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, along with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Minister for Relations with States and International Organizations.

“During the cordial discussions that took place in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, appreciation was expressed for the good relations between the Holy See and the Argentine Republic, and the desire to strengthen them further,” the press release said.

She added, “The two parties then discussed the new government's program to confront the economic crisis.” “Attention was then directed to questions of an international nature, especially the continuing conflicts and commitment to peace between nations.”