Argentina's president makes peace with sweet offering to compatriot Pope Francis

Pope Francis welcomes Argentine President Javier Milley to the Vatican Photo: VATICAN MEDIA/REUTERS

The Argentine President buried the hatchet with Pope Francis, calling pontiff «the most important Argentine» and beaming as he presented his compatriot with baked goods.

The meeting at the Vatican on Monday morning marked a radical about-face for Javier Miley, who had previously been an outspoken attacker. about the pontiff for supporting LGBT rights and social justice.

On the campaign trail, Mr. Miley, a brash economic libertarian, even famously called Pope Francis “evil” and a “moron” who “promotes communism.”

But both men appeared to have made their point point of view. the differences were put behind them after Miley was granted an hour-long private meeting, with the couple smiling broadly for the cameras beforehand.

Mr. Miley and his sister Karina Elizabeth talk with the Pope. Photo: Vatican Pool/Getty Images

Miley, 53, even gave the pontiff alfajores, soft, melt-in-your-mouth Argentine caramelized milk cookies, and then invited him to visit his homeland in the second half of the year.

As the country's only pope, the former archbishop of Buenos Aires, still has enormous influence in Argentina, even among conservative Catholics who may disagree with some of the pontiff's more progressive views on social issues.

But he has yet to visit Argentina since he was anointed in 2013 and is reportedly concerned about how such a papal visit could be used politically in a society bitterly polarized between conservatives who now include Mr Miley , and the leftist legacy of former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. .

Mr Miley, meanwhile, faces political headwinds in Argentina just two months into his presidency.

“Positive relations”

Congress rejected most of his austerity package. His popularity fell 10 points, to the 40s. Inflation, which he promised to curb, exceeded 200 percent.

Many Argentines have taken to the streets to protest against Miley's plans to cut pensions and undermine labor rights.

Mr Miley, who says he is a practicing Catholic and has an affinity for Judaism, said: that he was forced to “reconsider some positions” regarding the Pope.

Speaking on the Italian radio station Rete 4, the president added that he is now building a “positive relationship” with the pontiff.

Speaking on air Italian radio station Rete 4, the president added that he is now building a “positive relationship” with the pontiff.

Speaking on the Italian radio station Rete 4, the president added that he is now building a “positive relationship” with the pontiff.

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A papal spokesman said Pope Francis “has great affection for everyone, so there is no doubt that he experiences some animosity.”