(ZENIT News / México City, 12.09.2024).- In a bold plea for peace amidst an escalating wave of violence, the Catholic Church in Mexico has urged criminal organizations to lay down their arms on December 12, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The call, issued by the Archdiocese of Mexico City under Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes, envisions a “national truce of peace” on the day that unites millions of Mexicans in devotion to their patroness.
A Message of Hope Amid Violence
Through its Sunday editorial in Desde la Fe, the Church addressed Mexico’s dire security crisis, highlighting the devastating toll on families across the nation. “Our country is gripped by a difficult and delicate situation of public safety,” the editorial stated, referencing the deep sorrow inflicted by countless lives lost.
The appeal specifically targets criminal groups and organized crime, asking for a ceasefire as a gesture of goodwill. “Let December 12 mark the silencing of weapons,” the Church proposed, emphasizing the value of human dignity and urging both criminal factions and political leaders to renounce hostility and divisiveness.
A Symbolic Start to Reconciliation
By linking the truce to the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe, the Church hopes to inspire a moment of reflection and unity. “This could be the beginning of a journey toward solid and lasting peace,” the editorial suggested. The call also extends to political groups, advocating for an end to polarizing rhetoric and a renewed commitment to mutual respect and dialogue.
An Advent of Healing and Renewal
As the faithful prepare to celebrate Christmas, the Church framed the truce as a gift to the Virgin of Guadalupe and the Christ Child. “Let this Christmas bring families together without the shadow of mourning caused by violence,” the message implored. By fostering peace during Advent, the Church sees an opportunity to heal wounds and rebuild a society fractured by violence.
A Country Yearning for Change
The plea for peace is particularly poignant given the backdrop of unprecedented violence during the administration of Andrés Manuel López Obrador, with over 196,000 murders recorded. Under President Claudia Sheinbaum’s early tenure, there has been a modest decline in homicides, with 2,234 intentional killings reported in October 2024, the lowest monthly figure of the year.
The Church’s appeal seeks to galvanize Mexicans toward reconciliation and healing, emphasizing that even the smallest steps toward peace can create ripples of hope. Whether the call will be heeded remains uncertain, but its vision is clear: a nation united in its commitment to life, dignity, and lasting peace.
“Let this be a gift to Our Lady of Guadalupe,” the Church concluded, “and a promise of a brighter future for our nation.”
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