Pope Francis Meets Argentina's President

Pope Francis and Argentina's President Javier Milei held their first official talks, meeting at the Vatican as they seek to mend fences amid the explosive economic situation in their native country.

Milei, a liberal economist, had sharply criticized his compatriot while campaigning for election last year, accusing the pope of political interference and calling him an "imbecile" who "promotes communism".

But in an interview this weekend the president described Francis, a former archbishop of Buenos Aires, as "the most important Argentine in history".

Milei gave a bear hug to the 87-year-old pope as he sat in his wheelchair, which Francis began using in 2022 due to knee pain.

At the formal audience, Milei gave the pope several presents, as is traditional, including Argentine biscuits that the pope is said to enjoy, a government spokesman said.

During their meeting, the president and pontiff -- both of them born in Buenos Aires -- will likely discuss a possible papal trip to Argentina.

The pontiff had called Milei in November to congratulate him on his election win, and the president in turn asked Francis to return to Argentina.

The pope has not been back to his home country since becoming head of the Catholic church in 2013. He has said he would like to return, but no date has been set.

Their meeting comes against the backdrop of upheaval in Argentina.

Elected in October on a wave of anger over decades of economic crisis, Milei has embarked on massive economic deregulation by presidential decree.

Some 40 percent of the country is living in poverty, while crippling inflation tops 200 percent.

In January, Milei sent the pope a letter, saying a visit would "result in peacemaking and brotherhood for all Argentines, eager to overcome divisions and confrontations".