Portrait of Javier Milei
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Javier Milei on Pope Francis

Sharp critic turned respectful (strong) Position evolved

TL;DR

Javier Milei transitioned from sharply criticizing Pope Francis as a communist to showing him respect upon taking office.

Key Points

  • Before becoming president, he accused the Pope of preaching "communism" and called him an "imbecile" during his campaign.

  • After winning the election, he was congratulated by the Pope, and the two later met at the Vatican where they were photographed smiling.

  • Following the pontiff's death, he acknowledged differences but honored Francis, calling him the "most important Argentine in history."

Summary

Javier Milei, before his presidency, was a vociferous critic of Pope Francis, accusing him of promoting communism and calling him an "imbecile" and "the representative of the evil one" due to disagreements over social justice and economic policies. These prior statements reflected Milei's libertarian views, which sharply contrast with the Church's social teachings regarding state intervention and wealth redistribution. Following his election victory in late 2023, however, Milei's tone shifted significantly as he apologized for his past comments.

The evolution in his stance was demonstrated by a congratulatory phone call from the pontiff and a subsequent meeting between the two Argentines at the Vatican shortly after Milei's inauguration. After the Pope's passing, Milei publicly paid tribute, acknowledging their "differences" while hailing the pontiff's "goodness and wisdom" and even calling him the "most important Argentine in history." This later posture suggests a degree of political pragmatism or respect for the office, despite the ideological gulf that remains between the former critic and the current Pope.

Key Quotes

Despite differences that seem minor now, it was a true honor to have known him in his kindness and wisdom.

Our pope is the most important Argentine in history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Javier Milei was initially a sharp critic of Pope Francis, particularly during his presidential campaign. He accused the pontiff of promoting communism and used strong language to condemn his perceived alignment with leftist politics.

Yes, his position has evolved from harsh criticism to one of respect. Following his election, he accepted a congratulatory call from the Pope and later spoke of him with honor and wisdom.

Upon the Pope's death, Milei expressed sorrow, acknowledged their past disagreements as now "minor," and called the pontiff the most important Argentine in history.