[1/4] Priests attend a mass to rebuff attacks on Pope Francis by presidential candidate Javier Milei, of La Libertad Avanza coalition, in the villa 21-24 neighborhood, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, September 5, 2023.
REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian Acquire Licensing RightsBUENOS AIRES, Sept 5 (Reuters) - Priests from poor districts in Buenos Aires held a mass on Tuesday to defend Argentine Pope Francis after radical right-wing presidential candidate Javier Milei denounced him as an "imbecile" and "representative of evil".
loading"He has called Pope Francis insults like an imbecile and worse things," said Buenos Aires priest Lorenzo "Toto" De Vedia, who noted the long-running insults have gained more notoriety as Milei's popularity grows.
Pope Francis, 87, lived modestly when he was Archbishop of Buenos Aires, commuting by public transport and keeping a low profile when he went to help in deprived neighborhoods of the city.
The worst economic crisis in decades has sparked anger with traditional politics and fueled the triumph of Milei, who led an August primary vote with 30%.
Persons:
Pope Francis, Javier Milei, Agustin Marcarian, Argentine Pope Francis, imbecile, Lorenzo " Toto, De Vedia, Pope, José María, Pepe, Di Paola, Milei, Lucila Sigal, Miguel Lo Bianco, Anna, Catherine Brigida, William Maclean
Organizations:
La Libertad Avanza, REUTERS, Argentine, Argentina, Thomson
Locations:
Buenos Aires, Argentina, BUENOS AIRES