In a surprising turn of events, four Roman Catholic bishops engaged in negotiations with Mexican drug cartel leaders, striving to forge a potential peace accord. The revelation, shared by Bishop José de Jesús González Hernández of Chilpancingo-Chilapa during a public appearance, sheds light on the vacuum left by the government's non-confrontational stance towards cartels, pushing ordinary citizens to seek their own truces.
Government Approval and Historical Context
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador voiced his support for such talks, acknowledging that church leaders have previously undertaken similar initiatives in Michoacan and various states. While not the first instance of such negotiations, the President emphasized the positive role played by priests, pastors, and members of all churches in pacifying the country.
Church's Role in Pacification
López Obrador, while supporting the talks, made it clear that any agreement granting impunity, privileges, or licenses to steal would not be approved. However, this stance has faced skepticism from some quarters, with a parish priest from Michoacan expressing reservations. He asserted that the government's inability to provide safety conditions compelled the church to engage in dialogue with certain individuals, particularly regarding the safety of the local population.
Challenges Faced in Recent Talks
The most recent negotiations, according to Bishop González Hernández, faced challenges as the cartels and drug gangs refused to cease hostilities over territorial disputes in Guerrero. Despite a truce being proposed, it was accompanied by conditions that were unacceptable to one of the involved parties, leading to the talks' failure.
Economic Implications and Cartel Control
Mexico's cartels, beyond drug-related activities, extend their influence by extorting money from various businesses in the territories they control. López Obrador's "hugs, not bullets" policy, avoiding direct confrontation with cartels, has inadvertently allowed them to dominate several mid-sized cities, impacting local economies.
Retired Bishop's Insight
Retired Bishop Salvador Rangel, former head of the same diocese, confirmed the talks' failure, stating that the gangs were unwilling to make concessions. Despite the setback, Rangel defended the dialogue, emphasizing the importance of any attempt to achieve peace and harmony.
Papal Approval and Vatican Silence
Bishop González Hernández hinted that Pope Francis had at least implicitly approved of this approach during a meeting with bishops last year. However, the Vatican, in its usual practice, refrained from immediate comments on the Pope's private audiences. The bishop's position aligns with Francis' inclination to defer to bishops' expertise and his strong belief in the imperative need for dialogue.
Conclusion
While the church's involvement in such negotiations is not a role it relishes, as noted by the parish priest, it underscores the perceived inadequacy of government actions. As the complex interplay between religious leaders and cartels continues, the pursuit of peace takes center stage, echoing the sentiment that dialogue, even in challenging circumstances, remains a viable path towards resolution. The evolving dynamics of these talks and their broader implications for Mexico will undoubtedly be closely monitored.
Source: Apnews
