It was in October 2024. The Pope Francis He received the Argentine vice president, Victoria Villarruelin the Vatican. And the meeting occurred in a climate of cordiality, despite the recent tensions between the Argentine Pontiff and the Government. Although Francisco’s gesture by asking Villarruel “Do you survive?” During the hearing the Pope marked the Pope to the political internal of the ruling party and the tensions between the red circle of Javier Miley and the vice president, the meeting, which lasted almost an hour, something rare for this type of meetings, had a distended tone.
The meeting began with an exchange of greetings and a touch of humor by the Pope. After a handshake and a kiss, Villarruel asked how he was, to which Francisco responded with his classic “still alive” And he added, with an accomplice tone, “And you survive?” The vice president did not hesitate to return the gesture saying: “I am joy to see it standing”referring to the fact that the Pope, despite his knee problems that force him to use a cane, stood for much of the encounter.
The cordial framework of the meeting contrasted with the internal that the government of Javier Milei and the recent criticisms of the Pope. A few weeks ago, In a symposium of popular movements in the Vatican, Francisco had expressed his discontent with the repression of protesters in Argentina, showing his proximity to the leader Juan recordois. However, during the audience with Villarruel, the tone was much more conciliatory.
Dressed in black outfit and a lace mantillathe vice president went to her first audience with the Pontiff, who received it in the Library of the Pontifical Apartment in the Second Lodge. Over there, Francisco highlighted the importance of protecting the most vulnerable sectorsespecially to children and the elderly, saying: “some are the future and others the reserve of wisdom.” He also referred to his experience in Buenos Aires by promoting Christ’s Household Network for people with addiction problems.
The Pope insisted on the need to “throw bridges” To achieve a deeper dialogue and improve social climate in Argentina. Villarruel explained that, as president of the Senate, she has focused on looking for consensusespecially because his party is in the minority in the camera. “It’s about talking to everyone to overcome differences,” he said. Francisco valued these efforts And he pointed out that everything that points to unity and understanding between Argentines is fundamental.
During the conversation, Historical issues such as the Falklands and the wounds of the seventies were addressedwith a call from the Pope to “strive as never before” to achieve reconciliation. The vice president transmitted the message that the Milei government seeks national unity and said: “Nobody wants the fracture of societyand less the breaks. “
The meeting concluded with an exchange of gifts and a final message from Francisco: “Go ahead, not to loosen and not lose the sense of humor”. Villarruel replied with a gesture of reciprocity: “I pray for you, but you pray for me.”
The meeting between Villarruel and Francisco took place at the close of the Vice President’s tour, marked by critical statements in Spain and a diplomatic escalation with the Government of Pedro Sánchez.
