Ärkebiskop Sergio da Rocha, ordförande i Brasiliens biskopskonferens är en av de 16 biskopar och en präst som kommer att utnämnas till kardinal i samband med konsistoriet i Vatikanen senare denna månad. Alla kardinaler under 80 år är de som deltar i konklaven vid val av ny påve. Han intervjuades i en brasiliansk tidning, intervjun återfinns i engelsk översättning på Crux.

I mitt förra inlägg skrev jag att det funnits en utveckling i Katolska kyrkan sedan långt innan reformationen i riktning mot trons källor, mot förnyat fokus på den personliga tron och andligheten, bort från detaljstyrning och kontroll. Påve Franciskus har i sitt pontifikat i hög grad stått för detta. Detta märks också på hur han utser sina biskopar och kardinaler. Ärkebiskop Sergio da Roha är ett exempel på detta. jag citerar några avsnitt från intervjun:

Om Brasiliansk politik (Brasiliens biskopar har uttalat att landets kris beror på brist på etiska och moraliska referenspunkter:

”Ethics in politics needs to be recovered urgently, which requires honesty on the part of politicians, as well as overcoming political and electoral corruption.  A democratic society needs politicians and responsible politicians.  Political participation can’t be denied, or left to others.

Another attitude to be cultivated is the conscious exercise of citizenship. Every citizen, and civil society itself,  have much to contribute to justice and peace, so desired by all. In a special way, laity and lay Christians have much to offer. They should be ‘salt’ and ‘light’ also in the field of politics.”

Om kyrkans roll i politiken:

”Through the bishops’ conference, the Church seeks to be always open to dialogue with the executive branch, the legislative and the judiciary. The conference does not adopt a political-party stance, and does not defend governments or parties. It pursues its prophetic mission by offering a meaningful contribution to the Word of God and to the Church’s social doctrine, not political ideologies.

The conception of a Church that controls society is neither theologically justified nor viable in a complex and pluralistic culture. However, a servant, prophetic, and merciful Church has much to offer in overcoming social problems. We have much to do to overcome aggression, intolerance and violence. [We must] educate for dialogue and encourage respect for those who think differently. Anyone who thinks differently cannot be treated as an enemy, whether at home, on the streets, on social networks or in political environments.”

Om kyrkans roll i världen:

” I would emphasize the conflicts and wars that are making so many people suffer, especially the poorest and most defenseless. The cruel situation of refugees and immigrants, always remembered by the pope, demands the joint action of the countries and effective investment. There’s also poverty and misery that persist in an era of so much scientific and technological development, with the poor being sacrificed most when there is economic crisis or social conflicts.

It is not easy, but the Church needs to evangelize with special attention to these situations, to bring hope and new life. We have to evangelize the different cultural contexts, from popular piety to secularized environments and modern Areopagus. We cannot remain indifferent or comfortable, but walk the path of participation and communion. Always trusting in the grace of God!”

Om påve Franciskus betydelse:

”The Pope has contributed enormously with his teachings, but above all by his example and initiatives. We have learned a lot from him! He has encouraged us to be a missionary Church, going out to meet the wounded and the lost sheep. He’s pushed us to be a merciful and welcoming Church, a house of open doors, and a servant church, living in simplicity.”

Om kardinalernas roll:

”As Pope Francis has insisted, the cardinalate is not an honor, but a form of service….

I think the cardinals named in this Holy Year should be recognized as ‘cardinals of mercy.’ We must learn to conjugate, with Pope Francis, the word ‘merciful.’ Charity in everything and with all is not easy, but it is beautiful and makes the one who practices it and who receives it happy. I hope to collaborate, albeit modestly, so that charity shines ever more in the life of the Church. But this is only possible by the charity of Christ!”