In a move that highlights her divergence from the Argentine government's stance, Vice President Victoria Villarruel has convened the Catholic Church representatives, including those from the Pastoral Social and Cáritas, for an informal meeting with senators. This gathering aimed to voice the Church's critical position regarding the government's proposal to lower the criminal responsibility age to 14. The Church's delegates expressed their belief that this legislative change will not effectively reduce juvenile crime and emphasized the need for comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of youth crime, such as poverty and school dropout rates.

The meeting comes in the wake of the Argentine Chamber of Deputies granting preliminary approval to the controversial bill, which is now set to be examined by the Senate. The urgency surrounding this legislative proposal has been marked by the Church’s insistence on being heard, as its representatives argue they possess valuable on-ground experience in dealing with youth and community issues. The Church's involvement signifies a crucial intersection of politics, justice, and social issues, influencing how youth crime is addressed in national policy.

Villarruel's actions have drawn attention against a backdrop of public and political debate regarding penal reforms and juvenile justice in Argentina. As the country grapples with rising youth crime rates, this discussion raises significant implications for the legislative framework being considered, especially concerning perspectives from various societal sectors such as religious institutions, affecting the dynamics between government, church, and public sentiment on justice reform.