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Pope to Mexican Bishops: We do not need Princes

Pope to Mexican Bishops: We do not need Princes

Last updated on: February 14, 2016 at 8:30 pm by Father Pablo Migone

Pope to Mexican Bishops: We do not need Princes 2016-02-14T20:30:19-05:00 Father Pablo Migone

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Cathedral of Mexico City

Pope Francis addressed the Bishops of Mexico in the beautiful Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City after the historic reception of the Pope by President Peña Nieto.

Weaving the presence of Our Lady of Guadalupe into his address, I wish to share some topics the Pope addressed in his talk.

Francis said strongly to the bishops, “we do not need princes, but a community of witnesses of the Lord.” The Pope emphasized the need for unity and communion among the bishops. “If you have to fight, fight; if you have to say things to each other, say them, but as men. Say them to each other’s faces as men of God, who afterwards will pray together, discern together, and if you went past the line, ask for forgiveness to maintain unity in the episcopate.”

Cathedral of Mexico City

The Pope recognized that the church of Mexico is vast and multifaceted, hence the need for bishops to be servants and custodians of unity built upon the Word of God, nourished by His Body and guided by His Spirit. I imagine that whoever is causing discord among the bishops received a clear message from the Pope.

The Pope called bishops not only to be united, but to be blameless in word and action. “Be bishops with pure vision, transparent souls, and luminous faces. Do not be afraid of transparency.” In a nation where it is easy to become entangled by corruption and the drug trade, the Pope called the bishops to remain in the light, and away from the seducing darkness. He warned them of being distant or aloof, clerical, cold, indifferent, and self-centered. “Do not waste your time and energy in secondary things, in gossip or intrigue, careerism, empty plans for superiority… do not allow yourselves to be dragged into gossip and slander.” I imagine that the initial excitement of welcoming a Pope who shared their Latin American background wore off a bit as the Pope revealed his knowledge of the shortcomings faced by Latin American bishops.

Cathedral of Mexico City

My favorite words from this address happened when Pope Francis stated, “I invite you to grow tirelessly and without fear in the task of evangelization, and in deepening the faith of others through a catechesis that treasures the popular religiosity of the people.” In Spanish, the Pope literally invited the bishops to “grow tired” as they catechize and respect the traditional piety of the people, key in transmitting the faith from generation to the next. I loved the image of bishops growing tired as they labor in the catechesis of their people. If there is one thing worth getting exhausted while doing, it is preaching and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through evangelization and catechesis.

Pope Francis emphasized several times during his address the importance of indigenous populations. Mexico, like most of Latin American nations, is composed of a melting pot of indigenous, African and European populations, where the vast majority (indigenous and African members) have suffered tremendously. The Pope acknowledged this great suffering which has spilled much blood over the years.

He exhorted the bishops: “I ask you to gaze with singular attentiveness towards indigenous peoples, towards them and their fascinating, and many times massacred, cultures. Mexico has need of its indigenous roots in order not to remain an unresolved enigma. The indigenous peoples of Mexico still await recognition for the richness of their contributions and the fruitfulness of their presence.” The Pope called on the bishops to encourage their people to remember their ancient roots that have allowed a lively Christian synthesis and have aided them in overcoming challenging situations.

Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Francis described the devastating effects of the drug trade as a cancerous metastasis which devours and attracts many of the youth. Giving old answers to new questions is not good enough. He challenged the bishops not to hide behind generic condemnations, but to become courageous and prophetic voices in the midst of difficulties. Many are crying out to God, and the bishops must answer by responding that “God exists and He is near through Jesus.”

The address concluded with a reference to immigrants. The Pope mentioned the millions who have traveled north seeking new opportunities while leaving behind their roots and facing new challenges. This leaves divided families and leads to integration troubles. The Pope challenged the bishops saying, “brothers, may your hearts be able to follow and reach beyond borders. Strengthen your bonds with the bishops of the United States, so that the maternal presence of the Church may keep alive the faith of immigrants.” The following words of the Pope struck me right in the heart, “May it never happen that, hanging up their lyres, their joys become damped, they forget Jerusalem and are exiled from themselves.” Making reference to Psalm 136 where Jews lamented the loss of Jerusalem, Pope Francis does not want immigrants to grow discouraged in the United States, lose their faith, and become exiles not only from their country, but also from their faith. My hope is that closer cooperation between Mexican and US Bishops may lead to a greater willingness to release priests from Mexico to work in the United States in immigrant communities.

Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Though the Pope showed the bishops tough love, he strengthened them and encouraged them in their mission. He recognized that the Mexican bishops have increased in number and collegiality while promoting pastoral work in the family, vocations and social work.

As Pope Francis continues his apostolic visit to Mexico, he will experience the love and devotion of a deeply Catholic nation that experienced a blessed visit from Mary, the Mother of God. They are a people whose identity is found in La Morenita who not only is mother, but also one them. May the joyful visit continue and bring about many blessings for the whole Church.

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