CNA Newsroom, Sep 7, 2023 / 11:00 am
In the heartland of Latin America, where Pope Francis was born and raised, Argentina is witnessing a political shift that has implications not just for its domestic landscape but also for the Catholic Church.
The bustling streets of Buenos Aires, traditionally echoing with the rhythms of tango, are now resonating with a different tune. It’s the voice of Javier Milei, a libertarian economist who, in recent years, has emerged as a formidable outsider in Argentine politics.
With his distinctive appearance and brazen rhetoric, Milei is challenging the political norms of the nation. But as he rises in prominence, many are left wondering: How does the Catholic Church, a cornerstone of Argentine society, view this new political figure? And what does Pope Francis, who has often spoken on the interplay of faith and politics, think of his country’s evolving political scene? Since his papal election, Pope Francis has not set foot in his native Argentina — could a Milei presidency mean he never returns to his homeland?
Argentine voters delivered a blow to the country’s two main political forces in primary elections, propelling the outsider candidate on Aug. 13 to the forefront and causing a significant disruption ahead of October’s presidential election.