Pope Leo to Visit Argentina After Historic Meeting with President Milei

Argentina’s President Javier Milei met with Pope Leo at the Vatican on Saturday, marking their first official audience and opening a new chapter in Argentina-Vatican relations. According to presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni, the pontiff confirmed plans to visit Argentina—his first since becoming pope. The visit could take place as early as 2026 and may include stops in Uruguay and Peru, where Pope Leo lived for nearly two decades.

The Vatican described the meeting as “cordial,” highlighting discussions on key issues such as poverty alleviation, social cohesion, and global conflicts. This marks a significant shift in diplomatic tone, especially following Milei’s historically strained relationship with Pope Francis, the late Argentine pontiff who never returned to his homeland during his 12-year papacy.

Pope Leo, the first U.S.-born head of the Catholic Church, assumed the papacy earlier this year and is expected to engage more directly with Latin American countries. His potential visit to Argentina would be a landmark moment for both the Church and the Milei administration, which has sought to strengthen international ties.

Milei’s visit to Europe also included a meeting in Rome with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The leaders oversaw the signing of a key energy deal between Italy’s Eni and Argentina’s state-run oil company YPF, signaling increased cooperation on energy development.

Milei missed the pope’s inauguration earlier due to national legislative elections but has since shown willingness to engage with the Vatican. The renewed dialogue could improve Argentina’s standing with the Church while also fostering regional unity.

This development is being closely watched across Latin America, where Catholic influence remains strong and Milei’s libertarian policies have sparked both controversy and support.