Pope Francis announced today that he is considering traveling to Argentina “in the second part of the year” and said he is worried about the country because “people are suffering so much.”
“Yes, it worries me, because people are suffering so much, it is a difficult time in the country,” said the highest pontiff this Sunday in an interview on Italian television, when asked about a possible trip to Argentina.
In this regard, he detailed: “There is a plan to take a trip in the second part of the year, because now there is a change of Government, there are new things, and I also have commitments.”
“For example, in August I have to make the trip to Polynesia, it is far, and after this the one to Argentina would be made, if it can be done,” he explained, adding: “After ten years it is fine, it is going well, it could go”, about the visit postponed since he was enthroned in March 2013.
The Pope’s words came hours after President Javier Milei invited him, through a letter, to visit the country after considering that his presence “will bring fruits of pacification and brotherhood of all Argentines” who are there, he said. , “eager to overcome divisions and confrontations.”
“His presence and his message will contribute to the long-desired unity of all our compatriots and will provide us with the collective strength necessary to preserve our peace and work for the prosperity and enlargement of our beloved Argentine Republic.”expressed the head of state in the letter, which was released by the Office of the President account. Javier Milei on the social network
In addition, the President could participate on February 11 at the Vatican in the canonization of Mama Antula, who will become the first Argentine saint, according to the “intention” that Mondino transmitted to Adamczyk.
Last August, Francis had stated that a possible visit to Argentina was “on the program” for after last year’s presidential elections and that the Vatican would study “if it can be done.”
“I can confirm that it is on the program. We will see if it can be done, once the election year passes,” said the pontiff when asked by Vida Nueva magazine about a possible trip to his native country.
According to the leader of the Catholic Church, “once the elections are over, we can make” what would be his first visit as Pope to the country.
“Right now I only think about Argentina and perhaps Uruguay,” he added about the countries that the apostolic trip could include.
At the same time, the Pope acknowledged that “there were already several attempts before, but the elections frustrated the visit,” since the Holy See advises against papal trips during election years.
Last May, the pontiff had announced in public that “the idea is to go to Argentina next year, let’s see if it is possible.”
Francisco stated on several occasions that he planned to visit Argentina at the end of 2017 on a tour of the Southern Cone that was finally canceled due to the electoral schedule in Chile.
Source: Ambito
