(see related)
Buenos Aires' programme to counter
the economic crisis gripping Argentina was among the topics
discussed with President Javier Milei during talks at the
Secretariat of State, the Holy See said in a statement on
Monday.
"During the cordial talks at the Secretariat of State, (the
parties) expressed satisfaction at the good relations between
the Holy See and the Argentine Republic and the desire to
further strengthen them," read the statement.
"They then dwelt on the new government's programme to counter
the economic crisis," it continued.
In the meeting with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro
Parolin and Secretary for Relations with States Monsignor Paul
Richard Gallagher, "a number of international issues were
touched upon, in particular current conflicts and the commitment
to peace among nations," added the statement.
Earlier on Monday the Argentine Pope held an hour-long private
audience with Milei, having already briefly met with his
compatriot after a Mass to canonize Argentina's first female
saint, 18th century missionary Mama Antula, at St Peter's
Basilica on Sunday.
The two Argentines have very different outlooks on the world.
Milei, who won last October's presidential elections in
Argentina, is a self-proclaimed "anarcho-capitalist", while
Francis is highly critical of the prevailing consumerist
economic model, saying it causes inequality, poverty, climate
change and environmental devastation.
Milei will also meet Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and
President Sergio Mattarella on Monday.
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