AMERICA/GUATEMALA - Bishops’ Conference supports Bishop of San Marcos, who has once again received death threats for his pastoral work with the poor and marginalized

Guatemala City (Agenzia Fides) - The Bishops’ Conference of Guatemala has issued a statement in support of Bishop Alvaro Leonle Ramazzini Imeri of San Marcos, in response to the death threats he has received. The statement, signed by Bishop Pablo Vizcaíno Prado, of Suchitepéquez - Retalhuleu, President of the Guatemalan Bishops’ Conference, and Bishop Gonzálo de Villa y Vásquez of Sololá - Chimaltenango, Secretary General of the Conference, recalls that since March 31 of this year, Bishop Ramazzini has been receiving death threats in San Marcos (see Fides 3/4/2008). Already in 2005, he was an object of threats and assassination attempts for his juridical support of farmers in the poorer areas and those without land.
“We do not know where the threats are coming from, but we do believe that they are in connection with the pastoral work with the poor and marginalized that Bishop Ramazzini is carrying out in his Diocese,” the Bishops of Guatemala affirmed. They also expressed their belief that “this cowardly action comes from those who wish to hide themselves behind the curtain of impunity, the entire system of injustice, exclusion, and death in our country.” This was the same way they treated Bishop Gerardi, whose 10th anniversary of assassination we commemorate in these days. “Thus, they continue to behave with those who work for a different, just, and supportive Guatemala,” the statement continued.
In light of the situation, the Bishops of Guatemala make a public manifestation of their support for Bishop Ramazzini, along with the pastoral care workers and faithful of the Diocese of San Marcos and also ask authorities to “carry out an immediate and thorough investigation on this subject and that they immediately take measures to ensure Bishop Ramazzini the security he needs.” They also encourage all Catholics and people of good will to join in their support and prayer for the Bishop in this time of trial.
“May the Spirit of Pentecost, that led the Christians to be witnesses at the beginning of the Church, grant us courage and strength in order to continue Jesus’ mission today and that united, we may continue to announce the Gospel of love and life,” the Bishops concluded. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 22/4/2008; righe 29, parole 359)