The spokesman for the Bishops’ Conference of Argentina, Father Jorge Oesterheld, said this week a fire that completely destroyed the Chapel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in the Diocese of Puerto Iguazu several days ago is a painful event that could have a serious impact on the faithful in that region.

Father Oesterheld called for an investigation to determine if in fact the fire was intentional, as was reported by police and firefighters.  “Let justice appropriately clarify the facts about the attack against this church, of which only the cross hanging out front remains.  No doubt this was an irrational attack that profoundly affects the Church,” he said.

Police sources believe the fire could be related to the upcoming elections which will be held in the province of Misiones and in which voters will select a group of delegates to reform the province’s constitution.  Bishop Emeritus Joaquin Piña is leading the opposition to approve the re-election of the provincial governor, Carlos Rovira, for an indefinite period.