The Pope lands in Argentina – Milei holds her breath

While Pope Francis was one of the most popular popes in modern times, he received constant criticism from Argentina's Milei. The president called him "the representative of evil on earth" and said the pope was a Jesuit who promoted communism. Milei also referred to him as "the idiot in Rome" and said he was a "dirty leftist". The political polarization in the country is believed to be the reason Francis never returned to Argentina before his passing.

His successor Leo XIV, who has much the same political stance as Francis, is not afraid to visit the country. Milei will seek re-election next year and his supporters see the visit as a way for the opposition to gather power.

The government worries that the fairs in Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Luján will turn into political demonstrations and wants to avoid the crowds around the Pope turning into protests against the austerity policy. The government has asked to see the Pope's first speech in advance, but was refused by the Argentine bishops. One of the program items expected to be the most uncomfortable for the government is the Pope's visit to a home for people with severe disabilities. Milei's government has blocked financial support for people with disabilities, which the Catholic Church in Argentina has openly criticized the government for.

Milei also has a split relationship with Catholicism. He says that he believes in God, but that he has long been drawn towards Judaism. At election meetings, he has quoted the Torah. He studies with a rabbi in Buenos Aires and has stepped on stage to the sound of a shofar, a Jewish ritual horn. He has also said he intends to convert to Judaism, but only after he leaves the presidency.

Prior to the visit to Argentina, Leo XIV was in neighboring Uruguay, which is Latin America's most secular country. The latest survey shows that over half of Uruguayans do not profess any religion. During an evening prayer in the cathedral in Montevideo, the Pope urged the faithful not to consider themselves a minority. In Argentina, almost 80 percent state that they have a belief in God.

After Argentina, Leo XIV will visit Peru which the American Pope describes as his second homeland. He has been a missionary and lived in the country for over 20 years and has Peruvian citizenship. The visit to Peru will be the longest on the trip to South America. During one week, he will visit four cities, including Chiclayo, where he himself was a bishop.

Until the end, it was uncertain whether the planned trip to South America would take place. Four weeks ago the Pope was operated on for lung cancer. On the flight from Rome to Montevideo, he talked about the disease in front of the journalists accompanying him on the trip.

- I thank God and the fantastic doctors I have with me here. I'm fine, he said.