The president Javier Milei and the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, shared a working lunch this Saturday after concluding the funeral ceremonies in honor of the late Pope Francis.
Milei led the Argentine delegation that attended the funeral of the Supreme Pontiff at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, accompanied by his sister Karina Milei, who serves as the Secretary General of the Presidency.
The delegation also included the Chief of Staff, Guillermo Francos; the presidential spokesperson, Manuel Adorni; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gerardo Werthein; the Minister of National Security, Patricia Bullrich; the Minister of Human Development, Sandra Pettovello, and the Secretary of Worship, Nahuel Sotelo.
Javier Milei y Giorgia Meloni.
Very close, in the front row, was the Italian delegation, headed by President Sergio Mattarella and Meloni herself, as established by the event's protocol.
Giorgia Meloni, who last December granted Italian citizenship to Javier Milei in recognition of his "descent," expressed on several occasions her ideological affinity with the Argentine president. During the tribute to the Argentine pontiff, both leaders shared an emotional embrace.
The Presidency released some images of the subsequent meeting, which took place at the Ambasciatori Hotel, and noted that the meeting served to address "international agenda topics." Meanwhile, Italy also confirmed the meeting took place, although they avoided providing details about the matters discussed.
Javier Milei y Giorgia Meloni.
The members of the Argentine government traveled on the presidential plane at midnight on Friday, arriving in Rome around 6:00 PM local time, as planned. With no official commitments scheduled for that day, they decided to have dinner and rest in preparation for the event scheduled for the following morning.
Following the protocol established by the Catholic Church, the officials attended dressed in strict mourning. In addition to wearing black clothing, women could only wear pearl accessories. However, an exception was allowed for Catholic queens, who could appear in white outfits, although this option is uncommon.
With no additional official activities, Milei and his delegation are expected to return to Buenos Aires on Saturday, except for the Secretary of Worship, Nahuel Sotelo, who would remain in Rome.
