Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Cochabamba (Agenzia Fides) - “As the Church in Bolivia we stand together with Bishop Tito, because he is a Bishop who identifies with his people, aware of the evils that afflict them through his presence and contact with people, day after day, over decades of service, raising his voice in alarm because the physical and spiritual integrity of many children and young people is in play.” The Bolivian Episcopal Conference (CEB) issued this statement to Fides, in which it expresses its full solidarity with Archbishop Tito Solari of Cochabamba, along with “deep concern at the attacks and threats made in recent days” against the Archbishop, “following his comments on Thursday, 18 November, regarding the sensitive issue of young people involved in trafficking cocaine among the peoples of Chapare.”
During a press conference, the Archbishop expressed his concern at the increase of drug trafficking in the rural province of Chapare, in the northern region of Cochabamba, with an increasing involvement by children and young people. Government representatives have reacted to such statements by asking Archbishop Solari to submit a formal complaint, giving names and specific places.
“There is often news of the seizure or discovery of drug factories in various parts of the country, and it is a reality that the seriousness of drug trafficking was also recognized by the President of Bolivia,” the CEB's statement continues, recalling that in the distant and recent past there have been numerous reports made by the media about drug trafficking involving children and adults.
The intention of Archbishop Solari, as he himself has clearly stated, was not to make a complaint, or even less to criticize and attack anyone, “but to echo the concerns of pastoral care workers, teachers, parents and young people about the serious threat of drug trafficking in Chapare.” The statement continues: "Expressing concern as Pastor, according to his experience and the testimony of his people, does not mean presenting evidence as requested, because this is the responsibility of the competent authorities. The words of Archbishop Tito Solari do not hurt anyone, rather try to defend the integrity and dignity of persons, especially young people, expressing grief and sorrow for those who are involved in this illegal activity. The over-reactions, the intransigent positions and intolerant attitudes will not lead us to a peaceful search for deep and concrete solutions to this problem.”
Solidarity with Archbishop Solari has also been expressed by various bodies and ecclesial entities, such as clergy from the Archdiocese of Cochabamaba, the Assembly of the Pastoral Council extended by the Apostolic Vicariate of Beni, the Church of Santa Cruz, the presbyterial council of the diocese of El Alto, which has urged the faithful to pray during Sunday Mass, 28 November, “asking for the necessary wisdom to work together in finding solutions to this problem that afflicts us.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 26/11/2010)
