AMERICA/CHILE - Bishops of Chile, recall prophetic voice of Pope John Paul II, express concern for persistent poverty, social gap, while the demand for equity and globalisation of solidarity “still await responses”

Thursday, 28 April 2005

AFGHANISTAN

2024-04-22
Commemoration of the victims of the Easter attacks: Catholic Church wants to initiate the beatification process of their martyrdom

2024-02-07
Manipur, torn by conflict, tries to reconnect the threads of dialogue

2023-12-04
The Franciscan Pastoral Center of the Diocese of Jinan celebrates the 60th anniversary of Sacrosanctum Concilium, to continue walking on the paths opened by the Second Vatican Council

2023-10-16
Prayer for the reconciliation of the peoples of Israel and Palestine

2022-02-24
Integrating refugees into society: the commitment of the Pro Bambini Association of Kabul

2021-12-18
The Barnabites, with their hearts in Kabul: "Pray for Afghanistan"

Santiago de Chile (Fides Service) - At the end of their 89th assembly in Punta de Tralca 18 - 22 April the Catholic Bishops of Chile issued a statement “We have seen the Lord”, taking inspiration from the Gospel narration of the disciples at Emmaus. The statement has 3 chapters (“Easter Season”, “As they conversed Jesus few near and walked with them”, “Stay with us Lord”) in which they speak of the reflections, concerns and hopes of the Chilean people.
Underlining the joy of Easter which comes from the resurrection of Jesus, the Bishops recall with wonder and emotion the Easter of John Paul II: “The life and teaching of John Paul II was a great gift for the Church and the world. In his words and deeds we saw the words and deeds of Jesus”. They say the election as Successor of Peter of His Holiness Benedict XVI filled them with new joy and courage because he is called to be the “rock” on which to build the unity of the Church and at the same time, the guarantor of faith.
In the message the Bishops underline on the one hand clear positive signs in the reality of the Chilean people (more access to justice, agreements which seemed impossible, economic growth and structural development, more equity in education etc), on the other, recalling the prophetic voice of Pope John Paul II the Bishops voice concern “for brothers and sisters suffering the injustice of insufficient salary or pension, the effects of persistent poverty. In our country social differences, made evident by the quality of homes, access to consumer goods, healthcare, education, and wages, etc., reach scandalous levels while equity and globalisation of solidarity continue to be a challenge awaiting urgent response”. The Bishops call for incentives for programmes to eliminate poverty and established greater equity.
At the end of the statement the Bishops say that the Eucharist celebrated in the community leads to active commitment to building a more just and fraternal society. At the same time the giant figure of Fr. Hurtado and his canonisation offer encouragement to render present in our day ideals of holiness, brotherhood and social justice which inspired his life” the Bishops say. (R.Z.) (Agenzia Fides 28/4/2005, righe 28, parole 391)