Christian von Wernich requests meeting with Pope Leo XIV

Christian von Wernich, a former chaplain of the Buenos Aires Police serving a life sentence for crimes against humanity, has formally requested permission to meet Pope Leo XIV. Von Wernich, who was convicted in 2007 for seven homicides, 31 cases of torture, and 42 illegal detentions committed during Argentina's last military dictatorship, sent a letter to Bishop Ariel Torrado Mosconi of 9 de Julio.

In his request, the 89-year-old prisoner cited his advanced age and motor disability, seeking a transfer to the Villa Devoto prison to attend the Pope's scheduled visit on November 11. He described the meeting as a spiritual necessity to receive a papal blessing. The request, which was circulated by the Foro Argentino de la Defensa, asks the Church to intervene with the Federal Oral Court 1 of La Plata to facilitate his presence during the pastoral visit.