Mexican archbishop denounces 'shameful corruption'

Veracruz, Mexico, Sep 24, 2019 / 05:13 pm MT (CNA).- Archbishop Hipólito Reyes Larios of Xalapa in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, decried “shameful corruption” in the country and called for a deep reform that begins with conversion.

In his homily at Mass Sept. 22, Archbishop Reyes Larios said that “the climate of violence and insecurity is deeply troubling to all of us, as well as the concealed corruption and the scant solidarity in face of unemployment and [poor] public health.”

Last year, former Veracruz governor Javier Duarte was sentenced to nine years in prison for money laundering and organized crime charges. Violence is also rampant in the state, with 682 homicides and 122 kidnappings registered in just the first quarter of 2019.

“I hope that all Mexicans and especially the citizens of Veracruz open our minds and hearts to hope and solidarity in the construction of a more united and fraternal State,” Archbishop Reyes Larios said.

“I hope that we recover honesty and good administration which drives us to achieve the common good and overcome shameful corruption,” he added.

The archbishop of Xalapa denounced corruption and fraud the country, as well as the use of “social welfare benefits to buy political votes.”

He pointed to Jesus’ warning in the Gospels against trying to simultaneously serve God and money.

“Wealth has an irresistible power, and when a human being enters into the dynamic of gaining more and living better, money replaces the providence of God and demands absolute submission,” he said.

“The heart of the individual trapped by money hardens, he tends to seek only his own interests, he doesn't think of the suffering and needs of others…there is no place for solidarity nor for a God who is a merciful Father and compassionate with all his children,” the archbishop said.

This article was originally published by our sister agency, ACI Prensa. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.