News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

pope-and-baby-main_article_image.jpg
AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais
World News

Argentina downplays '666' Pope snub

The South American country's government has been shrugging off suggestions of a rift between the world's two most powerful Argentinians after a gift from Mauricio Macri of 16,666,000 pesos was turned down by an educational foundation supported by the pope.

According to the Vatican Insider news organisation, the pontiff wrote to the Scholas Occurentes foundation regarding the sum - which equates to £860,000 - saying: "I don't like the 666."

Mauricio Macri/Twitter

666 is referred to in Revelation 13:18 as "the number of the beast", although there is some degree of disagreement over whether the figure actually refers to the devil.

Argentinian newspaper, La Nacion, was told by an anonymous government source: "the sum was calculated based on the expenditures of the organisation's headquarters in Buenos Aires, on the salaries of 36 employees, and on equipment and maintenance expenses relating to a building of the former Administration of State Property.

"It was specifically asked for by them, so we are very surprised by what happened afterwards and that the Pope was not informed."

Difficulties between Pope Francis and President Macri reportedly date back to several years ago with the pontiff being opposed to Macri's austerity policies and for refusing to appeal a court order allowing same-sex marriage in Bueno Aires in 2009 (When Macri was the city's mayor).

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate