Argentina: Pope Francis received Vice President Victoria Villarruel

This Monday, Pope Francis received the vice president of Argentina, Victoria Villarruel, in a meeting in which they talked about the situation in the country and exchanged gifts.

The meeting, which lasted about an hour, took place in the Library of the Apostolic Palace in an atmosphere “of great affection,” according to the official communication.

Villarruel, who is also president of the Senate, shared a video on his X accountwhich shows the moment in which the Pope receives her with a cordial: “Nice to see you.” With his usual sense of humor, he responded to the question “How are you?” saying: “Very well, I am still alive. Do you survive?” Villarruel replied: “I am so happy to see him standing,” alluding to the Pope’s recent public appearances in a wheelchair.

During the conversation, which covered various topics, the Pope showed interest in the situation in Argentina and thanked him for the visit, to which Villarruel responded: “Thank you, Holy Father, for receiving me.”

The vice president gave the Pontiff a statuette of a horse with its foal and a Spanish sweet. Francisco, for his part, gave her a blessed rosary, a book about the historic blessing given in March 2020, with the phrase “No one is saved alone,” and a message of peace signed especially for her.

When saying goodbye, Villarruel said: “I pray for you, but you pray for me, eh!”

What is Victoria Villarruel’s link with the Catholic Church?

Victoria Villarruel is a practicing Catholic who has participated in pilgrimages to the National Sanctuary of Luján and has shared greetings on social networks during Easter.

Last November, the Argentine priest Javier Olivera Ravasi told ACI Prensa that she knew Villarruel personallywho was godmother of a Baptism in her chapel. “She has a strong and determined personality, she is the daughter of soldiers. She is Catholic, Roman Apostolic and practicing,” said the priest, who also mentioned that Villarruel attends Mass in the traditional rite.

Villarruel has spoken out against abortion, stating that he defends “the right to life because it begins at conception,” not for religious reasons, but for “pure biology.” according to El País.

In 2018, she attended a Mass for Life in Luján and has expressed her intention to repeal the Abortion Law, although she has indicated that currently the priority is the economic crisis.

In December, after taking office, Villarruel met with the Military Bishop of ArgentinaMons. Santiago Olivera, who gave him an image of the Holy Priest Brochero, wishing him his protection in his administration.

Later, too met with the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Mons. Jorge García Cuervaand expressed his desire to visit the Virgin of Luján to thank and pray for the country.