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Culiacán Bishop: Church's mission is to promote peace, not engage in politics

Culiacán Bishop: Church's mission is to promote peace, not engage in politics

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The Catholic Church's mission is to promote peace and fraternity, not to interfere in political matters or act as a judge, according to the Bishop of Culiacán.
  • Bishop Jesús José Herrera Quiñonez stated that civil and judicial authorities are responsible for investigating and resolving cases against officials.
  • He acknowledged concerns about insecurity and violence but praised journalists for their work in reporting under difficult circumstances.

The Catholic Church's primary mission is to foster peace and fraternity, and it should not involve itself in political acts or assume the role of a judge regarding accusations against state, municipal, or former officials, stated Jesús José Herrera Quiñonez, the Bishop of the Diocese of Culiacán.

Meeting with the press, Bishop Herrera Quiñonez thanked journalists for their openness in disseminating the Church's messages and pastoral initiatives. He emphasized that the responsibility for investigating cases and rendering judgments within the framework of the law rests with civil and judicial authorities. He added that political figures and former officials accused of alleged crimes have the right to defend themselves and prove their innocence.

While acknowledging the prevailing climate of insecurity and violence, the bishop recognized the crucial role journalists play in informing society, especially under such challenging conditions. He affirmed that despite the unrest, church services continue uninterrupted in all Catholic temples, with no reported incidents involving clergy serving rural communities.

Bishop Herrera Quiñonez observed that federal elements conduct patrols, particularly during significant dates and near parishes, as a preventive measure. He deeply valued the efforts of media professionals who often work long, unpredictable hours under pressure and risk to fulfill their mission of informing citizens about current events.

The mission of the Catholic Church is to promote peace and fraternity, without interfering in political acts.

— Jesús José Herrera QuiñonezDefining the Church's role in relation to political matters.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.