Tearful Milei bids farewell to Pope Leo XIV in Buenos Aires

Argentine President Javier Milei was moved to tears on Thursday as he said farewell to Pope Leo XIV at the end of the pontiff's three-day visit to Argentina. The emotional scene took place at Buenos Aires' Jorge Newbery Airfield, where the Pope boarded a plane for Peru, the final stop on his South American tour.

Footage from the departure showed Milei wiping his eyes and embracing the Pope before the 87-year-old leader of the Catholic Church walked up the steps to the aircraft. The two had met several times during the visit, which began on Tuesday and included an open-air Mass in the capital and meetings with government officials and civil society groups.

The papal visit was the first to Argentina since 2018 and came as the country continues to navigate economic challenges. While the Pope's public remarks focused on hope and reconciliation, the visit also drew attention to the relationship between the Vatican and Milei's government, which has pursued significant public spending cuts.

Pope Leo XIV, who was elected in May 2025, has made pastoral outreach to the Americas a priority of his pontificate. His tour began in Brazil before moving to Argentina, and he will now spend two days in Lima, where he is expected to meet with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte and visit a shantytown on the city's outskirts.

The Pope's departure was attended by a small group of government officials and clergy. In brief remarks to reporters, Milei described the visit as "a blessing for the Argentine people" and said he hoped the Pope would return soon. The Vatican has not yet announced plans for a future trip to the region.