On the first anniversary of the passing of Pope Francis, President Javier Milei offered a moving tribute from Jerusalem, recalling the pivotal moment when he personally apologized to the Pontiff for his past insults. During his visit to the Holy Sepulchre as part of his official tour of Israel, Milei reflected on the transformation of their relationship, labeling the late Pope as “the most important Argentine in all of history” and a figure whose legacy transcends political divisions.

The Moment of Forgiveness
The President shared a revealing anecdote about his February 2024 visit to the Vatican, which marked the end of their public hostilities. Milei recalled that during their private audience, he took the opportunity to ask for forgiveness for the “error” of his past aggressive rhetoric, which had once seen him call the Pope a “representative of the malignant one on Earth.”

According to Milei, the Pope’s reaction was a testament to his character.

A “Grand” Response: While the President did not disclose every word, he described the Pope’s reaction as “worthy of a great person,” characterized by humility and immediate absolution.

Mutual Respect: The encounter shifted their bond from one of confrontation to one of deep institutional respect, allowing the two leaders to discuss the challenges of poverty and social cohesion in Argentina without ideological animosity.

A Tribute from the Holy Land
The tribute took place at the Santo Sepulcro, the holiest site in Christianity, where Milei lit a candle in memory of Jorge Mario Bergoglio. The President’s presence there, amidst a high-stakes geopolitical tour, underscores the “moral axis” of his administration.

“A hug from afar, Holy Father,” Milei posted on social media, accompanied by images of their final meeting at the Vatican.

The Evolution of a Leader
Critics and allies alike have noted the significance of this evolution. For Milei, honoring the Pope is not a pivot toward “social justice”—a concept he still vocally critiques—but an acknowledgment of the Pope’s spiritual authority and his status as a global icon of Argentine identity. The President emphasized that despite their differing economic views, they were united by a shared concern for the dignity of the human person.

As Milei concludes his tour in Israel, his homage to Pope Francis serves as a bridge between his libertarian crusade and the cultural heritage of the Argentine people. By publicly reconciling with the memory of the “Argentine Pope,” Milei reinforces his message that even the fiercest battles can end in a path of respect and national unity.