In a new pastoral letter, Bishop Elizalde recalled a statement issued by the diocese on March 21, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. In that communication, “xenophobic, racist, and exclusionary attitudes” within the Catholic Church were condemned, as were “false narratives” about priests and seminarians from abroad.
In this recent letter, Elizalde went further, directly addressing the intentional spread of falsehoods. “It is not right to spread rumors and unfounded fears,” the bishop warned, clearly indicating the prejudices existing among some members of the diocese.
“"I am a father, and I must accept all people; even some priests who hold ideas that do not align with mine."
The bishop emphasized that there is “great diversity” among priests from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, “just as among ourselves.” However, he urged Church members to undergo a “personal and pastoral conversion,” stressing that multiculturalism is not a “risk.” This is not the first time such tensions have emerged; last October, Bishop Elizalde sent a letter to all diocesan priests, calling on them to set aside “disputes and disagreements” on this issue.
