This Thursday a meeting between two South American heads of state and government took place in the Holy See of the Vatican. Argentina-born Pope Francis received Colombia's Vice President Francia Márquez in a private audience lasting about 40 minutes. As he left the meeting, Márquez released a video in which he revealed the Christmas greeting that the Pope sends to Colombians: “He sends Colombia a message of love, joy and hope that he wants to share with the family at Christmas.” Of course, the Holy Father invites us to continue working tirelessly to achieve peace, social justice and dignity for all Colombians.”
Although they communicated in the same language, it is clear from the videos of the meeting that they come from different worlds. The pope, an 86-year-old white man with a pronounced River Plate accent, shows his age and ailments. He walks with a cane, moving with considerable difficulty; He's been sick lately. Márquez, an Afro woman half her age and from Colombia's Pacific coast, had perfect posture. Even their clothing was completely opposite: Francisco was dressed in all white and the vice president in black.
Despite these differences in appearance, the two leaders expressed the excitement of knowing each other. That's what they told each other. “Thank you for being here, I am very happy,” the Pope said to his guests as they shook hands with a smile. “No, thank you,” she replied.
After the welcome, Francisco, who has been associated throughout his life with Peronism in his native Argentina, and Márquez, vice president of the first leftist president in Colombia's modern history, discussed some of the issues that unite them. According to Márquez, peace (in which the Church plays a key role in Colombia), social justice, reconciliation and climate change, all flagship policies of Gustavo Petro's government, were addressed. “The Holy Father invites us to continue to make all necessary efforts to stop climate change, which continues to endanger life on our planet. “Today it is a task for all humanity to continue to work for our great house, our common home,” he said after the meeting.
In addition to the social discussions, Márquez brought the Pope a gift from the Colombian Pacific: a chonta marimba. In a video, the vice president can be seen playing the instrument, a type of small xylophone. “They call it the piano of the jungle,” she says, as the Argentine religious watch her with joy, like a child in front of a Christmas present. A few moments later, the Afro-Colombian leader explains that one of her goals is to “use traditional music to resist violence.” The Pope gratefully accepted the gift. “Full of history. Thank you very much,” he said. He in turn offered Márquez a collection of autographed books. The vice president accepted them with a smile and assured that they would help her implement her government plan.
The meeting ended like millions of meetings between a priest and a faithful believer. Márquez asked the Pope to bless some items he would bring to his family. Minutes later they said goodbye with a handshake and another smile. This time it was Francisco who asked him for the favor. “Pray for me,” he told her. “And you for me,” the vice president replied.
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