Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
La Paz (Agenzia Fides) – “The Catholic Church will continue carrying out her work as evangelizer and prophet, rejecting all forms of violence and upholding human and Christian values and principles that strengthen a constitutional state, and pacific coexistence among Bolivians.” This is what is contained in a statement issued by the Bolivian Bishops’ Conference, following the attack made yesterday on the home of Cardinal Julio Terrazas, Archbishop of Santa Cruz (Bolivia) and President of the Bishops’ Conference. The attack took place at around 12:30 am local time, with a bomb that had been placed outside the main entrance of the house and destroyed part of the entrance of the Prelate’s home. When the bomb went off, neighbors in the area were frightened and several had their windows shattered by the impact. Inside the house, there were only two young people and a woman, who suffered no personal injuries. Cardinal Terrazas was not there at the time, as he was taking some days of rest in his hometown.
The Bishops commented: “This event reflects an attitude of intolerance and violence that goes against the principals of democratic coexistence in our country. Violence is never an acceptable means and does not resolve problems in human relationships. Moreover, it is rejected by God.” The Bishops ask local and national authorities to make every effort in investigating, “to discover those guilty of this crime and find the motives that led to its being committed.”
They also consider that “an attack on the Cardinal’s home is also an attack on his person, his dignity, and his role as leader of the Catholic Church in Bolivia, and thus, it is an attack on the Catholic Church itself.” Thus, they express their closeness and solidarity with Cardinal Julio and his collaborators, and assure of their prayers.
The Archbishop of Santa Cruz also issued a statement rejecting and expressing his regret for this “vile attack.” “We firmly condemn this violent act that, like all forms of violence, goes against the dignity and rights of people, even more so in the case of His Eminence, the Cardinal, who represents the entire Catholic Church in Bolivia,” the statement concludes.
Archbishop Tito Solari Cappellari of Cochabamba also denounced and condemned the attack, considering it an act that “will deepen divisions among Bolivians.” Showing his closeness and solidarity with the Cardinal, he affirmed that this trial “makes us participate in the suffering of Good Friday, but it also gives us strength with the hope of Easter.” He also recalled that the Church’s vocation is to announce the truth of Jesus Christ and it “will not be confused or silenced by acts of violence.” “Let us encourage everyone towards unity, the courage of testimony, and maintaining serenity, Archbishop Tito concluded. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 16/4/2009)
