Posted on 06/24/2022 10:20:14 AM PDT by Ebenezer
(Translation)
Monsignor Héctor Aguer, Archbishop Emeritus of La Plata, Argentina, proposed a solution to the “conflict” that ensued after Pope Francis’ removal of Monsignor Daniel Fernández Torres as Bishop of Arecibo, Puerto Rico.
“The Holy Father, speaking of conflicts that exist within some regions of the Church, has mentioned the one that continues in the Diocese of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. The problem originated with the removal of the Bishop, Monsignor Daniel Fernández Torres,” the prelate indicated in a communiqué about the case which he sent to ACI Prensa on Monday, June 20.
The Archbishop disseminated this reflection one week after an interview was published in which Pope Francis lamented the “conflict” that “has not yet ended” in the Diocese of Arecibo.
Monsignor Daniel Fernández Torres, today Bishop Emeritus of Arecibo, was removed by Pope Francis on March 9 of this year after refusing to resign from the pastoral governance of the diocese which was entrusted to him 11 years before by Benedict XVI.
On the day the removal was announced, the Vatican did not specify the reasons.
However, Bishop Fernández’s removal may have been due to his position on the freedom of conscience of the faithful regarding the COVID vaccine, and his initial refusal to send his seminarians to an interdiocesan seminary in Puerto Rico.
According to documents reviewed by ACI Prensa, Archbishop of San Juan Monsignor Roberto González Nieves played a major role in the Bishop of Arecibo’s removal.
To Monsignor Aguer, the reasons for the removal “have been that Monsignor Daniel personally looks after vocations and, as is his right, where they may be formed. Why would he have to send the candidates to the San Juan seminary where the orientation is progressive?”
“Another accusation against the Bishop of Arecibo is that he defended the freedom of the faithful to either get or not get vaccinated against COVID-19. It’s arbitrary to argue that getting vaccinated is a moral duty.”
“Christians are adults already, and they should freely decide on so personal a question,” the Argentinian Archbishop recalled.
How to Overcome the Conflict in Arecibo?
In closing his communiqué, the Archbishop Emeritus of La Plata makes a proposal to end the conflict.
“I think the clergy and faithful of the diocese could request from the Supreme Pontiff that their bishop be reinstated. His Holiness can grant that request using his prudence and pastoral love,” Monsignor Aguer suggested.
“Dear brethren: In all humility, ask the Successor of Peter that Monsignor Fernández Torres continue governing the Diocese of Arecibo”, the Argentinian prelate concluded.
Puerto Rico ping
Faith of Our Fathers ping
Get a real pope 🤪
Problem solved
Pope:. The beatings and firings will continue until morale improves or there are no Catholics left.
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