Argentinian President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner met with Pope Francis today at his residence at Casa Santa Marta this afternoon.
In a Vatican statement, Holy See Press Office director Fr. Federico Lombardi said President Kirchner was accompanied by a large delegation.
“The visit had the aim of presenting to the Holy Father the greetings, wishes and affection of the Argentine people to commemorate the anniversary of the first year of his pontificate,” Fr. Lombardi stated.
According to the Buenos Aires Herald, President Kirchner was also expected to give the Holy Father his Argentinian passport and identification card, which he renewed ealier this year. Guillermo Oliveri, the Argentinian Secretary for Religious Affairs, said it was an “open agenda” meeting.
After meeting with the Argentine president’s delegation, Pope Francis spoke privately with Kirchner and later had lunch with her. (J.A.E.)
