# Virginia Gallardo and Officials Invited to Papal Meeting at Palacio Libertad National deputy Virginia Gallardo and provincial governors confirm attendance for the upcoming papal event. - **Source:** [La Nación](https://www.lanacion.com.ar) - **Published:** 2026-11-05 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/7d433b1b-64e9-4301-bf86-fd050a4ba597 ## Official Papal Invitation National deputy Virginia Gallardo publicly shared her official invitation from the Presidency to attend a meeting with Pope Leo XIV. The event is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, at 18:30 hours. It will take place at the Palacio Libertad, gathering authorities, civil society members, and the diplomatic corps for a formal reception. ## Personal Social Media Reaction Gallardo expressed deep gratitude and excitement regarding the invitation, highlighting her long-standing connection to the Catholic faith. She shared an image on social media featuring herself and her daughter alongside the Pope, digitally edited with artificial intelligence. She emphasized that Christian values remain a fundamental part of her personal life and upbringing. ## Provincial Leadership Attendance San Juan Governor Marcelo Orrego also confirmed his receipt of an invitation to the papal encounter. During a school inauguration in Chimbas, he stated his intention to pray for his province and its citizens. Orrego expressed his deep affection for his home region while preparing for the upcoming high-profile diplomatic event in Buenos Aires. ## Broad Official Guest List The event will host a wide array of high-ranking officials, including Vice President Victoria Villarruel and all 24 provincial governors. The Chief of Government of Buenos Aires, members of the Supreme Court, and various diplomatic representatives are also expected to attend. This gathering represents a significant intersection of state power and religious authority. ## Exclusion of Former Presidents President Javier Milei has explicitly decided to exclude all former presidents from this specific papal event. Despite attempts by the Catholic Church to intervene and change this stance, the administration remained firm. Consequently, figures like Alberto Fernández, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, and Mauricio Macri will not be present at the official presidential gathering. ## Exceptions for Mauricio Macri Although excluded from the primary presidential event, former President Mauricio Macri will still participate in other related activities. He is scheduled to attend separate events as a guest of the City of Buenos Aires government. This distinction highlights the complex political dynamics currently surrounding the organization of the Pope's visit to the country. ## Public and Political Context The announcement has generated significant public interest across the nation, with many citizens celebrating the upcoming meeting. The event serves as a platform for political figures to demonstrate their commitment to faith and national values. It remains a focal point for current administrative policy regarding diplomatic relations and internal political protocol management. ## Significance of the Meeting This meeting at Palacio Libertad underscores the ongoing relationship between the current administration and the Catholic Church. By curating a specific guest list, the government is shaping the narrative of this diplomatic encounter. The event will be a critical moment for observing the interaction between state leaders and the highest religious authority. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.lanacion.com.ar/politica/virginia-gallardo-compartio-la-invitacion-oficial-que-recibio-para-asistir-al-encuentro-con-el-papa-nid05112026/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._