AMERICA/GUATEMALA - The late Archbishop Prospero Penados del Barrio emeritus of Guatemala “worked passionately to promote reconciliation among the people whom he accompanied with humility and firmness” says adjunct secretary of the Guatemalan Bishops’ Conference

Guatemala City (Fides Service) - This morning the Church in Guatemala will pay its last respects to Archbishop Prospero Penados del Barrio emeritus of Guatemala who died on May 13 at the age of 79. The funeral will take place in the Cathedral and the archbishop will be buried in the cathedral crypt.
Fr. Santiago Otero FMS adjunct secretary of the Guatemalan Bishops Conference had this to say about the late Archbishop of Guatemala: “he accompanied his people with simplicity, humility, wisdom and responsibility and also with courage and firmness. Trusting in God he spoke for the voiceless, promoted respect for human rights, defended the value of human life, opened the way for justice, worked to promote peace and harmony among the people of in the difficult years of civil conflict”. As archbishop of Guatemala, Mgr Prospero had to mediate and intercede, and wt the same time denounce injustice and violation of human rights. He helped to reinforce popular organisations in civil society fighting for democracy and full participation of all in the building of a new Guatemala. He organised the first Archdiocesan Synod to improve pastoral care and promote coordinated pastoral work to meet the many needs of the Church in Guatemala.
Among the various charges of this servant of the Church we recall: President of the Bishops’ Conference (1984-1985), president of the CELAM Missions Department, President of the Secretariat of Central America Bishops’ Conferences (SEDAC 1988). (RZ) (Agenzia Fides 16/5/2005; righe 20, parole 266).