At their 131st Plenary Assembly, the bishops of the Chilean Episcopal Conference prayed for Francis and expressed their fidelity to the new Pope, Leo XIV. They also denounced the spread of drug trafficking in a world experiencing a turbulent reality caused by wars and disputes that violate human dignity. They therefore call for working together for the common good and highlight signs of hope such as the Commission for Peace and Understanding, as well as the National Youth Day.
An unprecedented time for the Church: From Francis to Leo XIV
From the Loyola Spirituality Center in the town of Padre Hurtado, the bishops described the recent Plenary Assembly as "an unprecedented event" that led them to offer their first Eucharist for the repose of Pope Francis, recalling his "luminous ministry among us." They also joyfully celebrated the election of Pope Leo XIV: "We assure him of our communion and fidelity to continue working for the new evangelization of our country."
Synodality, culture of care and hope in youth
Marked by the Jubilee Year, the bishops reaffirmed their commitment to pastoral renewal: "We continue working on the renewal of our structures and methods of pastoral service to live a growing synodality." They also highlighted efforts to promote "a culture of care and good treatment."
The recent National Youth Day (YNJ), held in January in La Serena, was hailed as a hopeful event: "We give thanks to the Lord because this event has given a new impetus to the evangelization of young people."
Serious concerns about security, drug trafficking and birth rates
Recognizing the Final Report of the Presidential Commission for Peace and Understanding as another source of hope, the Bishops also expressed their concern over events that "disturb and pain us," such as the spread of drug trafficking and organized crime in the country. "They promote violence, insecurity, and poverty," they warned, noting that this scourge "exploits youth and seduces the political, judicial, and sports worlds, creating an increasingly corrupt and difficult-to-confront reality."
They also lamented the prejudices against the migrant population: "Unfortunately, these incivilities are accompanied by negative prejudices, tinged with unfair generalizations, against numerous migrant brothers and sisters who legitimately come to our homeland and contribute to the common good of Chile." They added to this the "alarming drop in the birth rate that jeopardizes the country's future," calling for an in-depth study of this situation following the results of the recent Census.
A call for dialogue and agreement, even in the face of differences, during election time
With a pastoral and civic perspective, the bishops asked political and social leaders to "work together to reverse these serious situations that wound the soul of Chile." Amidst the polarization, they noted that the upcoming electoral process could be "a providential opportunity for the various political and social actors, beyond the legitimate differences that distinguish them, to tear down ideological 'walls,' leave verbal violence behind, and reach a broad national agreement on the matters mentioned, one that transcends their particular interests, placing the common good of Chile at its center." From the Church, they reiterated their commitment to "actively collaborate in fostering encounter, dialogue, and agreement among the various social actors."
Being signs of hope in today's world
Finally, they invited all the People of God to be "signs of hope," emphasizing the importance of looking with faith to the good that exists in society and in the Church. Citing the document Spes non confundit, they recalled: "It is good for us to recover the necessary trust... in interpersonal relationships, in international relations, in promoting the dignity of every person and in respect for creation."
Under the protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Assembly concluded with the "joy of Easter," expressing its renewed communion with the new Pope Leo, whom they asked for "his apostolic blessing for the pilgrim People of God in Chile."