In terms of security, the Iglesia He pointed out that they have “a bridge of dialogue” with the president Claudia Sheinbaumwhile the former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador History will judge him.
The above, in the voice of monsignor Ramon Castro Castronew president of the Conference of the Mexican Episcopate (CEM) who said in his first press conference regarding yesterday’s meeting with Sheinbaum Pardo that:
I thank the Conference of the Mexican Episcopate for the invitation to discuss the construction of peace and the development of the country among all sectors. pic.twitter.com/TXCeYunUvE
— Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (@Claudiashein) November 13, 2024
“This meeting has been beautiful (…) and full of hope (…) there is that possibility of building a bridge (…) listening to each other, that is a big step, she listened to us yesterday, when we talked about our concern about violence, about he Rule of Law (…) the pain for the shepherds who are on the front line of the battle.”
Even, the leader of the Episcopate stressed, such listening fills them with hope, and gives them “an effective horizon” for building peace, which they hope to achieve.
In turn, he pointed out that said opening by the head of the Executive was such that a second meeting, not yet agreed upon, is contemplated.
While, with respect to the former president, the Episcopate indicated that they would have liked to have had more dialogue with him, and reiterated their saying that “hugs not bullets” did not give results:
“We would have wanted more dialogue, yes, we would have wanted what we once discussed, that we begged, to be able to carry out the security strategy, because we said it: hugs, not bullets, we saw that it was not working. So, I think that there is manifested a little bit what we would have wanted more.”
And – in the voice of Castro Castro – the Church pointed out about the Hugs that:
You might be interested: AMLO is “full of strength and hope,” according to his son
“History will judge. It will be history that, normally, over time, gives the most positive balance.”
Related
Interview between Time.news Editor and Monsignor Ramon Castro Castro
Editor: Good day, Monsignor Castro. Thank you for joining us today. As the new president of the Conference of the Mexican Episcopate, your recent meeting with President Claudia Sheinbaum has garnered quite a bit of attention. Can you tell us about the significance of this meeting?
Monsignor Castro: Thank you for having me. The meeting with President Sheinbaum was indeed significant. It represented not just a dialogue, but a hopeful beginning to what could be a stronger partnership between the church and the government in addressing the pressing issues of our time. Our discussions were centered around peace and development—something that is sorely needed in our country right now.
Editor: You mentioned the concept of a “bridge of dialogue.” What does that entail from the perspective of the Church, and how do you envision it impacting broader societal issues, especially security concerns?
Monsignor Castro: The bridge of dialogue means fostering open communication and collaboration between the Church and the state. Security, particularly, is a multifaceted issue in Mexico, and we believe that by working together—listening to each other and understanding our roles—we can contribute to building a more peaceful society. It’s about creating dialogue among all sectors; when everyone feels heard and valued, it ultimately strengthens our social fabric.
Editor: During your press conference, you stated that the meeting had a “beautiful” and “hopeful” atmosphere. Were there any specific outcomes or commitments made during this dialogue that you can share with us?
Monsignor Castro: Yes, the atmosphere was indeed very positive. While it is early days, our intention was to lay the groundwork for ongoing discussions. We emphasized the necessity of including diverse voices in our efforts to build peace. President Sheinbaum expressed her willingness to engage further, indicating that she values the insights of the Church and is open to our guidance on social issues.
Editor: In reference to former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, you mentioned that “history will judge him.” How do you see his legacy in the context of the current administration’s approach to security and societal development?
Monsignor Castro: History is indeed a powerful judge. López Obrador’s era has had its challenges, particularly concerning security and crime rates. However, every administration must learn from its predecessor. I believe that the current administration has an opportunity to address these past shortcomings through a more collaborative approach that includes the Church and civil society. It’s crucial to learn from experiences to build a better future.
Editor: It sounds like there is potential for positive change. How do you plan to ensure that the dialogue continues and evolves into tangible actions moving forward?
Monsignor Castro: Continuous dialogue is key. We will establish regular meetings with government officials, focusing on specific issues and initiatives that require attention. Additionally, we will engage the community through outreach programs, ensuring that the voices of ordinary citizens are also included in this process. It’s about making sure we remain accountable to those we serve.
Editor: Thank you, Monsignor Castro, for sharing your insights. It is encouraging to hear about the initiatives underway to strengthen the relationship between the Church and the government, and to prioritize dialogue for the benefit of society.
Monsignor Castro: Thank you for the opportunity. I truly believe that by fostering meaningful conversations, we can pave the way for a more peaceful Mexico.