Buenos Aires Archbishop calls for end to division and polarization

Archbishop Jorge García Cuerva of Buenos Aires delivered a powerful message against division and polarization during the traditional May 25th Tedeum service at the Metropolitan Cathedral. Addressing President Javier Milei and a significant portion of his cabinet, the Archbishop invoked a biblical story to underscore the necessity of unity.

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Enough of inciting division and polarization because no one saves themselves alone.

"Enough of inciting division and polarization because no one saves themselves alone," stated García Cuerva, referencing the parable of a paralytic brought to Jesus by four men. He drew a parallel to contemporary Argentina, where "many brothers today experience being paralyzed in their hopes, opportunities, and dignity."

The Archbishop emphasized that overcoming significant challenges requires agreement and setting aside differences. "In political terms: they agreed, they reached consensus; they set a common task thinking of the most fragile," he remarked, highlighting the role of four essential actors for Argentina today: the actor of the common good, dialogue, social friendship, and hope.

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Today also many brothers experience being paralyzed in their hopes, in their opportunities, in their dignity.

García Cuerva lamented the "shadow of a cloud of social fragmentation looming on the horizon as various interests play their game, indifferent to everyone's needs." He condemned the "every man for himself" mentality as a manifestation of "cruel individualism that breaks the bonds of fraternity and decomposes the Nation."

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In political terms: they agreed, they reached consensus. They set a common task thinking of the most fragile.

While the government had anticipated that the sermon would address social issues and high poverty rates, the Archbishop's direct call for unity resonated strongly in the presence of the President. Notably absent from the ceremony was Vice President Victoria Villarruel, who was not invited by the presidency. Minister Sandra Pettovello was also absent, having traveled to the Vatican.

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The 'every man for himself' is nothing more than an expression of a cruel individualism that breaks the bonds of fraternity and decomposes the Nation.