Guatemala: bishop of Jutiapa alerts about inequality, violence, and institutional deterioration and demands citizen commitment

In light of the situations of poverty, violence, inequality, and exclusion affecting communities, Monsignor Antonio Calderón Cruz, bishop of the diocese of San Francisco de Asís of Jutiapa, in Guatemala, called on the Church to listen to their cries, discern reality from the Gospel, and respond with concrete actions.

At the conclusion of his Spiritual Exercises, Monsignor Antonio Calderón Cruz and the diocesan presbytery called to consolidate a Church close to the communities, especially to the most vulnerable. “A Church that has to learn to listen: to God and to people, especially to those who suffer and to those who live on the margins”, he assured.

The diocese questioned energy generation projects that use resources from the territories without sufficient participation from the communities or proportional benefits, and warned about extractive activities and monocultures that degrade the soils and contaminate the water.

The defense of the territories also appears as one of the central concerns of the message. “The land is not a commodity: it is home, culture, memory, and future”, he points out. The bishop also warned about the lack of opportunities for young people and emphasized the dignity of migrant people.

The message also refers to the national situation and the effects of corruption, impunity, and institutional deterioration. Calderón defended the denunciation as a Christian responsibility: “Denouncing what destroys life is not feeding hatred,” but acting from “the love for our people” and the desire for a Guatemala with “dignity, justice, and peace.”

In light of the general elections of 2027, the document calls on citizens to exercise responsible voting and to discern between democratic proposals and “institutional manipulation.” It also expresses support for those who have promoted constitutional reform initiatives related to justice.

Following the denunciations and calls made in the message, the prelate places hope at the center of the Church's response. “Our last word is not the denunciation: it is the hope we place in our communities, families, youth, and farmers”, expresses the bishop.

Calderón closed his message with a call to “listen more, discern together, and act with greater determination”, as a path for a “synodal, missionary, prophetic, and Samaritan” Church, capable of turning hope into concrete commitment to the communities.

Photos: Diocese of San Francisco de Asís de Jutiapa

Discover the new 2026 offer of courses, diplomas, and degrees at Cebitepal https://bit.ly/4aHAue1 

Because we must care for those who protect creation, the podcast Life Hangs by a Thread arrives https://bit.ly/46cGUiB  

Subscribe for free to our WhatsApp channel  https://bit.ly/4hbWWN0