# Vice President Villarruel Gains Prominence Ahead of Pope's Visit Villarruel secures a central role in the papal reception amid ongoing government internal tensions. - **Source:** [Clarín – Política](https://www.clarin.com/politica) - **Published:** 2026-11-07 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/9c5a9a84-bb36-4e94-9bb2-8a2a74f0576e ## Central Role Secured Vice President Victoria Villarruel will participate in the official welcome reception for Pope Leo XIV at the Palacio Libertad. Despite internal friction within the administration of Javier Milei, her presence is confirmed for the event, which gathers key legislative, provincial, and business leaders to meet the visiting Pontiff this coming Sunday. ## Navigating Internal Tensions Villarruel previously feared exclusion from the guest list, mirroring her removal from the Security Council led by advisor Santiago Caputo. Her inclusion signals a delicate balance of power, as she remains at odds with key figures like Karina Milei while simultaneously observing the administration's struggles with inflation and rising national risk indicators. ## Institutional Defense Strategy The Vice President actively defended her institutional role by securing a unanimous Senate declaration. This mandate formally requested the Executive branch to ensure the participation of the upper house in the papal meeting. She had even sought a private audience at the Nunciature to guarantee her visibility during the Pope's visit. ## Protocol and Attire Ceremonial authorities from the Casa Rosada and the Holy See have established strict dress codes for the event. Women are required to wear dark, conservative attire covering arms and backs, such as structured blazers or formal dresses. Villarruel is familiar with these protocols, having previously met Pope Francis during a 2024 audience. ## Economic Policy Scrutiny Villarruel is expected to closely monitor President Milei’s speech at the Palacio Libertad regarding state roles and economic order. The visit of Pope Leo XIV, who draws inspiration from the 19th-century encyclical Rerum novarum, adds weight to discussions on social doctrine, contrasting with the administration's current focus on aggressive fiscal adjustment policies. ## Political Positioning 2027 Beyond the immediate event, Villarruel is positioning herself for the 2027 presidential cycle. Although she currently lacks a formal political structure, she is distinguishing her profile from both Milei and Patricia Bullrich. Her strategy involves maintaining a distinct public image while preparing for potential future competition against established figures like Axel Kicillof. ## Future Campaign Outlook The Vice President intends to continue her nationwide tours following the conclusion of the papal visit. By engaging with various sectors of the establishment and the public, she aims to build momentum despite her isolation from the core executive circle. Her path forward remains focused on navigating the complex landscape of Argentine politics. ## Significance of the Visit The reception serves as a critical barometer for the current administration's internal stability and public image. Observers will scrutinize interactions between Villarruel and Milei, as well as her engagement with provincial governors. This event highlights the ongoing power dynamics that will likely define the political landscape leading up to the next election. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.clarin.com/politica/villarruel-vuelve-tener-rol-central-visita-papa-participara-encuentro-leon-xiv-rearma-2027_0_FoCYRENsC4.html — --- _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._