Catholic Church in Coahuila calls for peaceful voting, emphasizing unity

Bishop Hilario González García of the Diocese of Saltillo has called on the citizens of Coahuila to exercise their right to vote peacefully this Sunday for 25 local deputy positions. The prelate urged society, political parties, candidates, and electoral authorities to ensure an exemplary, democratic, and peaceful election day.

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I believe that if there is one thing we need right now, it is a united country, in communion. Even if we have different ideological or political stances, social classes, or educational or socioeconomic levels, we should not be divided and confrontational. We must work a little harder on communion, which in the church and society is called social friendship.

In an interview with EL UNIVERSAL, Bishop González encouraged voters to participate, cast their ballots freely, and show maturity in accepting the results, even if they favor a different political party. "I believe that if there is one thing we need right now, it is a united country, in communion," he stated. "Even if we have different ideological or political stances, social classes, or educational or socioeconomic levels, we should not be divided and confrontational. We must work a little harder on communion, which in the church and society is called social friendship."

The bishop emphasized that those seeking elected office should focus on the common good, human dignity, and the well-being of people, "especially looking out for the vulnerable, the marginalized, and those who do not always have access to all the benefits of education, work, food, etcetera." He also highlighted the importance of prayer for leaders, a practice dating back to the early Christians, to foster a peaceful life and the ability to practice faith.

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especially looking out for the vulnerable, the marginalized, and those who do not always have access to all the benefits of education, work, food, etcetera.

Bishop González reminded believers of their role as models for citizen participation, guided by the Gospel. He asserted that Christians, being "citizens of the world," must commit to serving and helping wherever they are, remaining congruent with their Christian faith. He also underscored the significant responsibility of electoral authorities to objectively and independently qualify the elections, ensuring respect for the vote and the will of the people.

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From times of Paul, of the first Christians, we must pray for our authorities so that we may lead a life in peace and be able to practice our faith. We must always pray for our leaders, pray for one another, whatever party we belong to or whatever political line we have.