Argentina's Intelligence Agency Details Security Plans for Pope's November Visit

Argentina's State Intelligence Secretariat (SIDE) is actively preparing security measures for the upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV in November. The head of SIDE, Cristian Auguadra, presented the security plans and defended the National Anti-Terrorist Center (CNA), established last year, during his first appearance before the Bicameral Commission for Monitoring and Control of Intelligence Agencies.

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It was a very positive meeting, in which the defense of Argentina's interests prevailed.

The nearly three-hour presentation, largely filled with explanations from accompanying officials, reportedly proceeded without major issues, according to legislative and intelligence sources. Auguadra described the meeting as "very positive" and focused on "defending Argentina's interests." He stated that there was "no conflict whatsoever."

A significant portion of the discussion centered on the security operation for the Pope's visit. Auguadra revealed details previously unknown to the public, stating that His Holiness will lead a mass at the Basilica of Luján. Additionally, the Pope is scheduled to participate in an event with youth at San Lorenzo's stadium in Buenos Aires's Bajo Flores neighborhood, another event in Villa Devoto, and a meeting with social movements.

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There was no conflict whatsoever.

While the meeting was generally smooth, some tension arose during the interventions of Kirchnerist legislators. They raised critical points regarding SIDE's internal operations, which Auguadra and his accompanying officials largely denied. Specifically, SIDE's second-in-command, José Lago Rodríguez, refuted claims that SIDE had stated there was left-wing terrorism in Argentina, a point raised by Kirchnerist deputy Rodolfo Tailhade. Tailhade also inquired about information suggesting Jaime Stiuso had returned to the agency and was leading "La Base," which Lago Rodríguez firmly denied as "a lie."

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That is not the case, that is a lie.