During a Mass held in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, Pope Francis and Argentine President Javier Milei shared a moment of embrace as they gathered to canonize Argentina's first female saint, Mama Antula. This historic occasion marked the first meeting between the Argentine pope and Milei, who had previously criticized Francis for his stance on social justice. Despite their differences, the president greeted the pope with a warm bearhug, symbolizing a moment of reconciliation.
Mama Antula, also known as María Antonia de Paz y Figueroa, was an 18th-century laywoman who dedicated her life to serving the poor and promoting the teachings of the Jesuits in Argentina. The Jesuit religious order, which Pope Francis belongs to, faced suppression at that time, and Mama Antula played a crucial role in keeping their spirituality alive. Her canonization drew a significant number of Argentines to Rome, turning the event into a joyful celebration of their country's heritage.
