Argentine President Javier Milei paid tribute to Pope Francis’s “goodness and wisdom” despite the pair’s “differences” after the pontiff died on Monday.

“In spite of differences that today seem minor, to have known him in his goodness and wisdom was a true honor for me,” Milei posted on X.

The Argentine pope’s delicate relationship with politics in his homeland was evidenced in his dealings with Milei, who before taking office in late 2023 accused him of political interference and called him an “imbecile” who “promotes communism.”

Milei subsequently apologized and was received at the Vatican shortly after his election. Photos showed the fellow Argentines smiling and embracing.

Pope Francis, who left hospital in March after receiving treatment for double pneumonia, died just a day after he delighted the crowds at the Vatican on Easter Sunday with an appearance on the balcony at Saint Peter’s Basilica.