Mexican bishops react to historic election results

In a statement, the bishops of Mexico congratulate the Mexican people for their participation and democratic maturity and Dr. Sheinbaum for her triumph at the polls.

The Mexican Episcopal Conference has issued a statement regarding the elections held nationwide in Mexico on Sunday, June 2. In it, they congratulate the people of the nation for having exercised their civil and political right “to strengthen democracy and elect, by majority vote, those who will occupy the thousands of public offices that were in contention.”

In spite of the problems presented by the violence and the interference of some authorities, the bishops declare that Mexicans should feel satisfied for having fulfilled their commitment as citizens and should be committed, going forward, to “taking care of and improving our democratic institutions.”

Mexico’s first woman president

Likewise, they congratulate Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum for the triumph that will make her, from 2024 to 2030, the first female president of Mexico. They also assure her of their prayers

“so that she may lead Mexico towards better horizons where the Republic is strengthened, the rule of law is fully lived, democracy allows political transition without violence, development and justice for the entire nation is achieved more effectively, and above all, we begin a period of social reconciliation.”

In addition, they express their desire that the newly elected president give priority to engaging in dialogue with all.

They state that, as pastors, they are filled with hope to see that Mexicans embrace the values of the common good. They call on each of the elected candidates to exercise their positions of power to build the common good and govern for all.

Lastly, they entrust Mexico to the protection of Our Lady of Guadalupe, who “has always walked with us, showing us the paths of Jesus Christ and the Gospel.”

They ask Our Lady to grant the people of Mexico the wisdom, serenity, and strength to accept the results of these elections and to work together to build a Mexico “where we all recognize each other as brothers and sisters, beloved children of the same Father, and together we forge the promising destiny of our great nation.”

Difficult prognosis

While the bishops’ statement sticks with the protocols of courtesy, the prognosis for the country is complicated.

Sheinbaum is a member of the Morena party, which promotes abortion, same-sex marriage, and gender ideology, among other things at odds with Catholic principles.