Quirno rejects both versions
Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno denied on Sunday that President Javier Milei had requested to welcome Pope Leo XIV inside the aircraft upon the pontiff's arrival in Argentina, and he also rejected the idea that the government intends to exclude Vice President Victoria Villarruel from the official activities planned for the visit. The clarification came through a message on his X account, which he headed with the words false and false.[S1][S2]
In the post, Quirno stated that there had been no formal request for the president to board the plane when the Holy Father arrives, and that the government does not wish to cancel Villarruel's official presence. The statement addressed rumors about the protocol for the Catholic Church leader's arrival and about the vice president's participation in the papal visit, which had been presented as conditions imposed by the Milei administration.[S1][S2]
The foreign minister closed his message by reaffirming the government's position on the pontiff's arrival, describing the visit as a celebration for all Argentines. The denial was issued amid versions about how the reception of the Catholic Church leader is being organized and against the backdrop of political tensions between Milei and his vice president.[S1][S2]
The papal visit schedule
Milei will receive the pope at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery after his arrival from Montevideo. The two will then hold a bilateral meeting at the Casa Rosada and take part in an event at the Palacio Libertad, where the Argentine leader is scheduled to speak. On Monday, November 9, the president will attend the first Mass Leo XIV celebrates in the country, at the Monumento a los Españoles. The entire national Cabinet and Buenos Aires city government chief Jorge Macri, along with members of his administration, are also expected.[S2]
Both the event at the Palacio Libertad and the religious ceremony could be broadcast on national television, according to official sources. The agenda continues on Tuesday, November 10, in Córdoba, where a Mass is planned at the grounds of the state aircraft factory, Fadea. Those expected to take part include Presidency secretary general Karina Milei; Human Capital Minister Sandra Pettovello and Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva; and Governor Martín Llaryora with members of his Cabinet.[S2]
On the final day, the pope will visit the Basílica de Luján. The government will be represented by Cabinet chief Diego Santilli and Communication and Media secretary Fabián Fernández, and Buenos Aires province Governor Axel Kicillof will also attend. Milei, for his part, will see the pontiff off from Ezeiza international airport, with departure scheduled for 2 p.m. as the pope heads to Peru for the last leg of his continental tour.[S2]
