Lilia Lemoine Criticizes Archbishop García Cuerva's Sermon as 'Arrogant and Empty'

Libertarian lawmaker Lilia Lemoine launched a scathing attack on Jorge García Cuerva, the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, criticizing his homily delivered during the traditional July 9th Te Deum service. The archbishop had addressed issues of corruption and transparency in the presence of President Javier Milei and his ministers at the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Lemoine took to X, formerly Twitter, to express her strong disapproval. "Cuerva's sermons are hypocritical and boring. Such an important position for the faith of Catholics occupied by a person who tries to convey empathy and justice and ends up sounding arrogant and empty," she posted. She further elaborated, "I don't remember such demotivating sermons, and I went to mass every week for 13 consecutive years. The first time I said 'well, he had a bad day.' The second: 'Okay, he's Peronist, I understand his frustration.' Now there's no excuse. He doesn't represent the values I was taught in the Church."

Lemoine's reference to Peronism stems from García Cuerva's past associations, often seen with figures like Malena Galmarini and Sergio Massa during his extensive pastoral work in vulnerable neighborhoods of Tigre. The archbishop has repeatedly denied any partisan affiliation, defining his social role as an institutional intermediary ensuring the state's presence in underserved communities. In 2016, he faced controversy for describing Juan Domingo Perón as "the first source, the first love" during a mass commemorating the former president's death anniversary.

During the Te Deum, García Cuerva called for national unity and generally denounced those who hide "in caves of corruption" to enrich themselves. The message, delivered while Manuel Adorni was out of the cabinet and facing investigation for illicit enrichment, reportedly resonated less strongly at the presidential palace. The archbishop also alluded to the global fervor surrounding the World Cup, echoing Lionel Messi's post-victory call for building a "collective dream and valuing teamwork."