On Sunday, Pope Francis expressed his aspiration to embark on his maiden journey to his native Argentina since assuming the pontificate over a decade ago. This desire comes at a challenging juncture for the South American nation, grappling with a severe economic crisis.
Argentine President Javier Milei, despite past contentious remarks where he referred to Francis as “an envoy of Satan,” extended a formal invitation to the Pope last week. The country is currently confronting issues such as triple-digit hyperinflation and a surge in poverty rates.
During an interview on the Italian channel Nove’s talk show “Che Tempo Che Fa,” the 87-year-old pontiff shared his concerns about the significant suffering endured by the people of Argentina amid these difficult times. He acknowledged the complexities faced by the nation and expressed a heartfelt worry for its citizens.
Considering the invitation extended by President Milei, Pope Francis disclosed the potential contemplation of a trip to Argentina in the latter part of the year. This prospective visit might follow a scheduled trip to Polynesia in August. Francis conveyed his genuine desire to undertake the journey to his homeland, emphasizing his wish to be present amid the challenges faced by the Argentine people.
In the hour-long interview, broadcasted on Nove, which is a part of CNN’s parent company Warner Bros. Discovery, Pope Francis also addressed concerns about his own health, providing insights into his well-being during this pivotal period.