Pope Francis confirms that he will receive President Milei at the Vatican

Pope Francis has confirmed he will host his once-fierce critic Javier Milei at the Vatican in less than two weeks' time.

The Argentine pontiff said in an interview with Italian newspaper La Stampa on Monday that plans to receive President Javier Milei at the Vatican on February 11.

Milei will visit the Holy See next month to attend the canonisation of Argentina's first saint, María Antonia de Paz y Figueroa, also known as 'Mama Antula,'

The ceremony is scheduled for 9.30am (5.30am Buenos Aires time) on February 11 at St. Peter's Basilica.

“Before canonisations it is customary to greet the authorities in the sacristy. Besides, I know that he asked for an appointment for an interview with me, so I accepted. We will see each other,” the pontiff said in the interview. “I am ready to initiate a dialogue – in words and listening – with him, as with everyone.”

The meeting will be watched closely by international and local media. During campaigning ahead of last year's presidential election, President Milei referred to Francis on various occasions as "the evil on Earth occupying the throne of the House of God" while also calling him "sinister" and "an imbecile" and criticising him for "pushing Communism."

The remarks prompted a Mass of repudiation from the local Church.

In his interview, Francis also referenced his potential visit to Argentina next year, confirming that it is still a possibility. The Buenos Aires-born pontiff has not visited his homeland since becoming the leader of the Catholic Church.

"There is the Argentina hypothesis, which I have in parentheses,” the Pope said. “The organisation of the visit has not yet begun.”

Francis' busy agenda for 2024 already includes trips to Belgium, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.

The Argentine pontiff also spoke about his health in the interview. Hospitalisations and mobility problems have caused the cancellation of trips and events in recent years.

The 87-year-old leader of the Catholic Church said that "there are some aches and pains, but I am better now."

– TIMES/NA