Monday Mar 13, 2023 - Argentina - Fervor for Pope Francis, Morocco's corn imports, New 2,000-peso bank note

These are the trending news headlines in Argentina on Monday March 13, 2023

Argentina's initial fervor for Pope Francis has faded, with the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church now generating divided opinions and less enthusiasm in his home country. Despite still enjoying tango music, Francis has not returned to Argentina since leaving for the conclave that elected him in 2013. Analysts suggest he is keeping his distance to avoid being drawn into the political polarization that has divided Argentines over the past two decades. Reports from the Holy See's Secretariat of State advise Francis against visiting his home country due to the potential for conflict.

Morocco's corn imports from Argentina are set to drop as the South American country faces the worst drought in over 60 years. According to data from the United States Department of Agriculture, Morocco's corn imports from Argentina are set to reach 2.3 billion tonnes in 2023, down from 2.5 billion tonnes a year earlier. Argentina's overall corn exports are set to drop by 4 billion tonnes, going from 33 billion tonnes in 2022 to 29 billion tonnes in 2023. This drought could result in farmers facing a cumulative loss of $14 billion and a reduced production of up to 50 million tonnes worth of soy, corn, and wheat.

The Central Bank of Argentina has approved a new 2,000-peso bank note honoring two medical pioneers. The note will feature the Malbrán Institute, Dr. Cecilia Grierson and Dr. Ramón Carrillo, who were forerunners in the development of medicine in the country. Dr. Grierson was Argentina's first physician and created the first nursing school in Latin America, while Dr. Carrillo was a neurosurgeon, neurobiologist, sanitary doctor, and Argentina's minister of Public Health who worked to end epidemics of malaria, typhus and brucellosis epidemics and drastically reduced the infant mortality rate. The Malbrán Institute played a significant role during the coronavirus pandemic. The new bank note will highlight their contribution to science and medicine in Argentina.

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