Milei Meets Pope Leo XIV: Argentina Seeks Closer Vatican Ties

President Javier Milei of Argentina met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on June 7th, 2025, in a meeting that focused on combating poverty and promoting social cohesion, according to the Holy See. The 45-minute conversation, part of Milei's European tour, also involved the exchange of books on economics. The Argentine government sees the meeting as a step toward strengthening relations with the Vatican. "The meeting served to strengthen ties with the Vatican," said an Argentine government official. Milei's visit follows previous tensions with Pope Francis, adding a layer of complexity to this diplomatic encounter. The visit underscores the growing importance of international relations in addressing global challenges.