Spanish Bishops ‘Perplexed’ by Controversy About Pope’s Remarks on Mexico

Crux ^ | 10/2/21 | Inés San Martín

[marshmallow]

ROME – After the controversy a letter by Pope Francis to Mexico generated among right-wing politicians in Spain, the country’s bishops conference responded by inviting the leaders – and their followers – to read the pontiff’s page-long note and not the headlines around it.

Bishop Luis Argüello, Secretary General of the Spanish Episcopal Conference, said they were “perplexed” over the controversy during a press conference held in Madrid at the end of the meeting of the conference’s leadership.

“We have witnessed comments that we think have been made [in response to] a headline, without reading the document. It is not a long document. It is one page. It is addressed to the Church of Mexico, because it celebrates the 200th anniversary of its independence. Outside that context the document is not understood,” Argüello, who also serves as auxiliary bishop of Valladolid.

On the content of the letter, Argüello stressed that the Church, “in the task of evangelization, does things well and things badly.”

“What can the Spanish Church be proud of?” he asked, and then answered: “Of bringing a language and a religion to all of Ibero-America”.

Therefore, once again, the prelate expressed his surprise at “some astonishing editorial comments” that “give rise to statements from people who have read a headline and have not read a one-page letter.”

During the weekend, Francis sent a letter to Mexico for the 200th anniversary of the country’s independence from Spain. Several top-level, right-wing politicians went after the pope because he “apologized in the name of others.”

[Paladin2]

Seriesly, aren’t all Spaniards Hispanics?

[usurper]

Seriously, aren’t all Spaniards Hispanics?

It depends, if they are dating your daughter they are Spaniards. As the old saying goes.

[DesertRhino]

I think I am beginning to understand how inquisitions happen. They need one now to root out heresy. And the Spanish should take the lead. And the Vatican should be their first target.

[Svartalfiar]

Seriesly, aren’t all Spaniards Hispanics?

The term "Hispanic" refers to anyone from countries/areas that were colonized by Spain, Spain itself, or their descendants. Which is the majority of Mexico and south, as well as large parts of the Caribbean. Basically, native Spanish-speakers. So that excludes places like Brasil (Portugal), Guyana (Britain), Suriname (Netherlands), French Guiana (still owned by France today), Belize (Britain), and much of the Caribbean, yet does include many from these US. Technically, everything west of the Mississippi, Florida, and southern Alabama/Miss were all under Spanish control at some point, so many people from those areas could be accurately labeled as "Hispanic".