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The Church Asked "Not to Get Used to Violence, Nor to Naturalize Discard and Exclusion"
🇦🇷 Argentina /Conflict & Security

The Church Asked "Not to Get Used to Violence, Nor to Naturalize Discard and Exclusion"

From La Nación · (8h ago) Spanish Critical tone

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Church leaders in Argentina urged people not to become accustomed to violence, marginalization, and exclusion, particularly in neighborhoods affected by drug trafficking.
  • The call came during a Mass in La Matanza, commemorating Pope Francis's commitment to marginalized sectors and addressing the rise in poverty.
  • Bishops emphasized the need to strengthen community ties and recover the social fabric to combat drug trafficking and improve living conditions in vulnerable areas.

In a powerful address delivered in the heart of a struggling neighborhood, Argentina's Catholic Church leaders issued a stark warning against the normalization of violence and social exclusion. Presiding over a Mass in San Justo, La Matanza, Archbishop Marcelo Colombo, president of the Episcopal Conference, echoed Pope Francis's dedication to the poor and marginalized, urging the faithful "not to become accustomed to violence, nor to naturalize the discard and exclusion."

not to become accustomed to violence, nor to naturalize the discard and exclusion.

— Archbishop Marcelo ColomboUrging against the normalization of violence and social marginalization.

The service, held in a "City Pope Francis" neighborhood, underscored the Church's commitment to areas grappling with the dual scourges of state neglect and the pervasive influence of drug trafficking. Bishop Eduardo García of San Justo highlighted the significance of holding the event in such a location, stating, "From the peripheries, things are seen better." He articulated a collective desire "not to give up on achieving a more dignified life with our people, nor do we want our children to grow up in narco-hope."

From the peripheries, things are seen better.

— Bishop Eduardo GarcíaExplaining the symbolic significance of holding the Mass in a marginalized neighborhood.

This call to action comes at a critical time, with recent data revealing a rise in poverty in Argentina. The bishops, accompanied by numerous priests and community leaders, stressed the urgent need to "recover the damaged social fabric and strengthen the community to care for the lives of the most fragile." Their central proclamation resonated deeply: "The popular neighborhoods integrate or they surrender to drug trafficking."

We do not want to give up on achieving a more dignified life with our people, nor do we want our children to grow up in narco-hope.

— Bishop Eduardo GarcíaExpressing the community's aspirations and concerns regarding drug trafficking.

Archbishop Colombo emphasized the shared struggle, invoking Pope Francis's message that "we are in the same boat and we have to get out of this together." He lauded the tireless efforts of local clergy, schools, and community leaders who are working to foster dreams of a new life in these challenging environments. The Church's message is clear: fostering integration and community resilience is the only path forward against the encroaching darkness of violence and despair.

The popular neighborhoods integrate or they surrender to drug trafficking.

— Bishops and priestsA central proclamation highlighting the critical choice facing marginalized communities.
DistantNews Editorial

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

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