In the Church, they say that Milei's distance from the bishops hampers the visit of Leon XIV to the country
The Argentine government's efforts to facilitate a papal visit are hindered by President Milei's refusal to meet with bishops over the past two years.
The Argentine government is keen on having Pope Leon XIV visit the country, underscored by actions from Chancellor Pablo Quirno, who recently delivered an invitation from President Javier Milei directly to the Pope. Additionally, Quirno paid respects at Pope Francis's tomb and visited a church in Rome, which signifies a diplomatic effort towards improving relations with the Vatican. However, Milei's two-year avoidance of meetings with the Episcopal leadership poses a significant challenge to these efforts, raising concerns in ecclesiastical circles about the feasibility of the Pope's visit.
The relationship between the Argentine government and the Catholic Church has grown increasingly tense, particularly with Milei's lack of engagement with church leaders. Recent efforts from the Chancellor to convene a meeting with the bishops, including Archbishop Marcelo Colombo and Auxiliary Bishop RaΓΊl Pizarro, indicate an urgent desire to mend this strained relationship. The discussions focused on establishing a better connection and emphasized the importance of dialogue, which suggests a recognition of the obstacles posed by Milei's previous stance towards the church hierarchy.
Should the government continue to struggle with reconciling its relationship with the Church, the implications for the proposed papal visit could be significant. It may not only affect diplomatic relations but also reflect on Milei's governance style and its receptiveness to religious institutions. The negotiation of this relationship becomes crucial, especially against the backdrop of Argentina's vibrant Catholic identity, and could influence future engagements with religious and civic leaders.