HUEHUETENANGO, Guatemala (AP) — As more than 100 men carrying an elaborate float of Jesus halted before him, Cardinal Álvaro Ramazzini lost no time in calling for social justice — the hallmark of the Catholic bishop’s decades-long frontline ministry.
“Let’s hope that this procession may revive in the heart the willingness to discover Jesus Christ present in the person who suffers,” Ramazzini said in an impromptu speech, pointing to the dozens of elderly and disabled lining a street in Guatemala City’s oldest neighborhood. “If we don’t have that ability, don’t tell me you’re Christian — I won’t believe that.”
Elevated by Pope Francis to the top hierarchy of the Catholic Church, Ramazzini has continued his unflinching focus on the poor, the Indigenous and the migrant. That has garnered him great affection from the marginalized and many threats of violence, including rumors of an arrest warrant, as his native Guatemala struggles through political turmoil and remains a hotspot of migration to the United States.
Kate Hudson hits the stage to debut songs from her new album Glorious at star
US warns China will use Olympics to gloss over abuses
Childcare subsidies to start from July, families eligible for up to $75 a week
Chinese company says coronavirus vaccine ready by early 2021
Target to lower prices on basic goods in response to inflation
US warns China will use Olympics to gloss over abuses
ACT leader David Seymour laments 'lost decades' as coalition gets to work
Hong Kong man jailed 21 months for throwing eggs
Socialite Jasmine Hartin enjoys beach snuggle with electrician hunk
Screening of Hong Kong Poly U siege documentary slammed by pro
Dodgers acquire pitcher Yohan Ramírez from Mets for cash
$18m boost for New Zealanders needing to travel for health treatment